Update according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal:
A fire that was previously thought to be caused by a failing HVAC system has been revealed through investigation as arson.
An unknown person entered the foreclosed home and intentionally set a fire in the kitchen area.
A passerby discovered the fire and called 9 1 1. It took 40 firefighters from Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Leonardtown, La Plata, Seventh District Volunteer Fire Departments about five minutes to control the flames. Damage is estimated at $15,000.
Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, Southern Region at (443)-550-6834.
The HVAC system of a St. Mary’s home caused a fire in an unoccupied residence around 9:40 a.m. April 20.
Someone reported smoke coming from the home located at Three Notch Road and Mechanicsville Road in the area of Big Dogs Paradise. No injuries were reported
Photos by The BayNet’s Ron Bailey
