UPDATE: Washington College fire reportedly started in smoking receptacle

Investigators say they have found just what started a four alarm blaze at building on the campus of a college in Kent County, on Saturday evening.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says they have discovered that the fire, that broke out around 7:45 PM at a brick building on the Washington College campus, started within a plastic smoker’s receptacle, outside of the building. Investigators say they were able to watch video surveillance of the incident, and found that the flames extended from the receptacle, to nearby mulch and vegetation, before making its way to the structure.

Officials say an employee at a nearby business saw the fire, and contacted authorities. Over 80 firefighters worked to control the blaze for more than two and a half hours on Saturday night.

The unoccupied building, and all of its contents were apparently destroyed in the blaze, an estimated $3.5 million in damages. The building was apparently used by the college for administrative purposes, primarily for the finance and IT departments.