Locust Inn before and after
Solomons, MD – The series of fires that resulted in heavy damage to a three-story structure in south Calvert County remain the subject of an arson investigation. The Locust Inn on South Solomons Road sustained $50,000 damage in the blaze, which was discovered by a passerby late Sunday evening, April 23.
Investigators with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office determined an unknown suspect or suspects entered the vacant building and deliberately set the fire. A deputy fire marshal’s report stated there were “multiple points of origin.” Eighty firefighters from all three Southern Maryland counties were dispatched to the two-alarm blaze. Three of the firefighters sustained minor injuries during the lengthy operation. All three were transported to local hospitals, treated and released.
“Crews worked late into the night extinguishing the rest of the two-alarm blaze and overhauling the overall structure,” stated Norman Rea of the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Rea reported the crews, who began arriving after the 11:15 p.m. call went out, were on the scene until 3:43 a.m.
Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Duane K. Svites told TheBayNet.com that the arson investigation is still in the early stages as the evidence is being evaluated. Svites did not indicate whether any suspects have been developed at this time.
The three-story structure sits on property that was deemed historic over 30 years ago by the county’s Historic District Commission (HDC). A request by the current property owner, PAR Limited Partnership, to have the historic status removed was denied by the HDC. An appeal to the Calvert County Commissioners and Calvert County Planning Commission to essentially veto the HDC decision was the subject of a recent joint hearing. A final decision on the historic status of the tract will be made by the Calvert County Commissioners.
Anyone who might have information that could aid investigators in the arson probe is asked to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Southern Regional Office at 543-550-6831. The state’s Arson Hotline number is 1-800-492-7529.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com