Arson has been ruled the cause of one of two unrelated fires over the weekend in Carroll County, fire marshals said.

A fire damaged a barn near Manchester about 6 a.m. Saturday. The blaze started in the top portion of the stone and wooden structure, fire officials said. Damage was estimated at $1,000.

The blaze was brought under control within 10 minutes by 20 volunteers from Manchester, Lineboro and Pleasant Hill of Adams County, Pa. The barn, owned by John Kuykendall, is in the 4200 block of Martis Hill Drive.

In the other incident, state fire marshals said, a Westminster house fire that evening accidentally began after a cigarette was improperly discarded.

About 6 p.m., smoke detectors alerted resident Kathleen Winter, who discovered smoke pouring from the laundry area of her basement. Family members were evacuated. Smoke damage to the house, in the 600 block of Sunflower Court, was estimated at $70,000, officials said.

Firefighters from Westminster, Reese and Lineboro responded to the fire.

Officials said firefighter Michael Glass sustained minor injuries when the force of sudden pressure caused a hose coupling to strike his face. He was treated for a lacerated nose at Carroll County General Hospital, officials said.

No one else was injured in either incident.

Local American Red Cross officials offered assistance in finding temporary shelter for the displaced family, fire officials said.

Pub Date: 10/20/98