PIKESVILLE --
Baltimore County fire investigators said Tuesday that a four-alarm fire Sunday in Pikesville began with a child playing with a lighter.
The fire in the 4600 block of Horizon Court occurred at about 9 p.m. and escalated to four alarms by 9:37 p.m. Commanders placed the fire under control at 12:24 a.m. Monday.
The fire displaced 36 people from 24 apartments in two buildings -- 4605 and 4603 Horizon Court. The fire began in building No. 4605, investigators said.
Most of the displaced residents found shelter with friends or relatives. Baltimore County's Office of Emergency Management coordinated with Red Cross and the apartment complex to find a place for the others.
The majority of the residents had renter's insurance, officials said.
One firefighter and one civilian suffered minor injuries in the fire. Both were transported to Northwest Hospital.
About 30 pieces of fire equipment and 110 fire personnel, including firefighters from Carroll County, fought the fire.
Investigators estimated the cost of the damage at $1 million to $1.5 million.
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