CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (October 2, 2013)—The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and the Charles County Detention Center investigated two false fire alarm incidents at the Charles County Detention Center over the past two months. The jail, located at 6905 Crain Highway in La Plata, is protected by an automatic sprinkler system throughout the facility. On two separate dates two sprinkler heads were intentionally broken causing a false fire alarm to be activated. Each broken sprinkler head causes an estimated $350 damages to the property.
Investigators determined that on August 22, a sprinkler head was intentionally broken by Tyler Springer, age 19, while in his individual cell. On September 21, an additional sprinkler head was broken in a shared cell of Springer and Rachard Marshall, age 18. Subsequently, Springer has been charged with two counts of False Fire Alarm and Destruction of Property Under $500. Marshall was charged with one count of False Fire Alarm and Destruction of Property Under $500.
A false fire alarm can create a risk by placing unnecessary emergency personnel and equipment on the roads, and can cause a sense of complacency with occupants of the affected building.
Source: The Office of the State Fire Marshal