The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal reported a house on Hawthorne Road in La Plata sustained heavy damage Saturday, Aug. 25 as a result of a blaze investigators believe was deliberately set.
The fire was discovered by a passerby shortly before 3 a.m. A smoke alarm in the home did not activate. Forty firefighters from four Charles County volunteer departments were dispatched to the one-alarm blaze and brought the flames under control in 10 minutes.
“The fire was due to an unknown suspect intentionally igniting the contents of a first floor living room,” stated Dfm. Dexter Hodges. “The fire caused extensive damage to the home. There were no reported injuries.”
Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $100,000, Hodges reported.
The tenants were displaced and are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Anyone who might have information helpful to the fire marshal’s investigation is asked to call 443-550-6820.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
