APRIL 7, 2015
BROOKLYN PARK, MD
The Brooklyn Park fire that killed three people in February
was likely caused by a towel left too close to a hot lamp, Anne Arundel County
Fire Department officials said Tuesday.
The finding confirms early reports that the Feb. 10 fire was
caused by a lamp in a bedroom at the back of the building on Hilltop Road, the
parsonage for the United Brethren in Christ Church.
Michael Busker, associate pastor, said a copy of the fire
marshal's report provided to the church found the cloth towel was placed over a
lamp and ignited.
While the fire department investigation is closed, Busker
said the church's insurance company must still complete it's own investigation
before the church can rebuild.
"There was relief that that part was over and the
determination was made and that we can go forward and try to recover more
completely," Busker said.
The Rev. Samuel Sinnah, pastor of the church, Lettitia
Sinnah and their oldest son Joseph Sinnah escaped the home after the blaze
began at 124 W. Hilltop Road about 2:40 a.m. But Sundima Sinnah, 17, was still
inside.
Lettitia, 39, ran back inside in an attempt to save her son.
Neighbor Chris Rickman, 45, ran in after her. All three died.
In a timeline released by the Anne Arundel County Fire
Department along with a recording of 911 calls, the first call for help came at
2:39 a.m. from Samuel Sinnah.
"We are losing three people, three people right
now," he told the dispatcher.
"Can you get them out of the house? Can you get them
out of the house? Can you get them out of the house? … Sir, get them out of the
house."
"The smoke is so much … three people in the
house," Sinnah said.
It took 55 firefighters about an hour to control the blaze
that caused about $125,000 in damage.
Sundima, known as Sunny, was a senior at North County High
School. Days after the fire, hundreds of North County High School students
gathered to remember the boy they described as goofy and positive.
One alumni who was close to Sunny started a GoFundMe to
raise money to help with funeral costs for the family. The funeral was possibly
one of the first to be held at the high school.
"I'm still very grateful to the students at North
County High for their turnout and their support," Busker said.
"(They) are some of the most wonderful youth there are. They will always
hold a special place in our hearts."
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Fundraiser
The United Brethren in Christ will host a Soup-R-Supper
Saturday with proceeds going toward rebuilding the parsonage. The church will
serve several different soups, chili and sandwiches from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for children
under 2. All are welcome to attend.
Tickets to the Soup-R-Supper can be purchased at the door of
the fellowship hall at 201 W. Hilltop Road or reservations can be made by
calling 410-207-0436.