Tom Clancy's Md. home ravaged by fire

FREDERICK, Md., March 30 (UPI) -- A fire has caused nearly $20,000 in damage to author Tom Clancy's home in Calvert County, Md., officials say.

Authorities said the fire initially started on the deck and quickly spread to rest of the Maryland home, causing significant damage but resulting in no injuries, CNN reported Sunday.

The author of political thrillers such as "Patriot Games" and his family were not in the house at the time of Saturday's fire, Lt. Fred Holzberger of the Prince-Frederick Volunteer Fire Department said.

Firefighters were able to gain control of the blaze nearly 20 minutes after arriving on scene, CNN said.

The Maryland fire marshal's office has already launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.