Indian Head, MD – State authorities reported Tuesday, March 29 that a building fire the previous morning in Charles County was deliberately set. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the two-alarm blaze on Indian Head Highway injured a firefighter and resulted in $150,000 damage. The fire originated in a one-story apartment attached to a commercial business. It was discovered by a neighbor around 8:36 a.m.
“The juvenile occupant was reportedly awakened by the smell of smoke as the fire was discovered by neighbors, who called 911,” a fire marshal’s report stated. “The fire quickly grew and spread into the apartment and business, requiring a two-alarm response before it was brought under control. One firefighter from Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department was injured, and the apartment and business were destroyed.”
The injured firefighter received a laceration to a finger and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, state authorities reported. Forty-five firefighters from Charles County and surrounding jurisdictions were dispatched. The crews brought the flames under control in an hour.
The Maryland Fire Marshal’s Office deemed the blaze “incendiary.” An arrest in connection with the fire has not been made at this time. According to investigators, the building was owned by Vern Smith.
Anyone who might have information that could aid investigators is asked to call the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529 or the Southern Regional Office at 443-550-6820.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
Indian Head, MD – A firefighter sustained minor injuries Monday morning, March 28 while battling a building fire that occurred in downtown Indian Head. The BayNet has learned from sources that the fire may have been deliberately set. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the blaze and there are reports that a “person of interest” is currently in custody.
The fire damaged an apartment located above a vacant storefront. An adjacent building also sustained damage. Those buildings are located near the Indian Head Town Hall, which did not sustain any damage in the fire.
Firefighters from Charles, St. Mary’s and Prince George’s counties, along with units from Alexandria, VA and Naval District Indian Head battled the fire. Several crews are still on the scene.
More details as they become available.
UPDATE – 9:54 a.m. – Firefighters continue to battle the fire. TheBayNet reporters are en route to the scene.
Please avoid the area.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Indian Head, MD – March 28, 9:00 a.m. – Units are responding to a fire at Eleanor’s Thrift Store in the 4100 block of Indian Head Highway.
Please avoid the area.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
