Solomons, MD – A controversial landmark has apparently been victimized by an unknown arsonist. Late Sunday evening, April 23 firefighters from two Southern Maryland counties responded to a blaze at the Locust Inn on Solomons Island. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, three firefighters sustained injuries battling the two-alarm fire.
“Unknown suspect[s] entered the vacant structure and intentionally set the fire,” a deputy state fire marshal reported. Investigations reported “multiple points of origin.” Eighty firefighters were dispatched and brought the heavy smoke and flames under control in 90 minutes.
The firefighters who were injured sustained a laceration, a knee injury and an ankle injury. All three were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Damage to the three-story structure is estimated at $50,000. The property is owned by Jeannie Cousineaux Stone and Louis Stone.
Recently, the structure—built originally during the early 20th century—had been the subject of debate within the community, with the current property owners seeking to have the property’s Historic District designation removed so the building could be razed. A request for the removal was denied by the local Historic District Commission.
Anyone with information regarding the incident that could aid investigators is asked to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Southern Regional Office at 543-550-6831.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
Solomons, MD – Shortly after 11 p.m. Calvert County authorities reported a fire at the vacant Locust Inn on Solomons Island (pictured, right).
Reports from the scene indicate the blaze originated inside the structure. One firefighter has sustained an ankle injury and will be transported to a local hospital.
Crews are at the scene and motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
This is a two-alarm fire and crews are still arriving at the scene. Personnel from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office are en route to the scene.
The building has been the subject of a recent controversy regarding its current status as an historic district.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
