SOUTHERN MARYLAND (Jan. 14, 2008)—The State Fire Marshall recently investigated four incidents in southern Maryland.
FIREWORKS IN SCHOOL CAFETERIA: Deputy Fire Marshall Jason Mowbray investigated an incident at Lackey High School in Indian Head on Jan. 7. A 15-year-old male juvenile and a 17-year-old male juvenile were found to be in possession of fireworks and an incendiary device they had constructed by using additional fireworks and a plastic bottle. Both were charged on Jan. 10 with manufacturing and possession of a destructive device. They were released to the custody of their parents pending further action by the Department of Juvenile Services.
GARAGE FIRE IN PRINCE FREDERICK: Deputy Fire Marshall Jason Mowbray investigated a residential fire at 1705 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick which occurred on Jan. 12. A fire in a one car garage with a second floor apartment caused $75,000 in property damage and $25,000 in damages to the contents. Forty-nine firefighters from Prince Frederick, Huntington, Benedict, St. Leonard, North Beach, and Dunkirk took ten minutes to control the blaze. The fire started on the first floor garage interior and was caused by an overloaded electrical circuit ignited nearby combustibles. The fire destroyed the garage and its contents which included several ATV's and hand tools. The apartment above sustained smoke and water damage. The apartment occupant was displaced from the home and is being assisted by friends and family.
ARSON IN CHESAPEAKE BEACH: Deputy Fire Marshall Jason Mowbray investigated a fire in a construction storage trailer on Chesapeake Village Drive in Chesapeake Beach on Jan. 12. The trailer is owned by Quality Built Homes. The fire resulted in $2,000 damages to the trailer and $10,000 in damages to the contents. Twelve firefighters from North Beach took 5 minutes to control the fire. The fire is considered arson. The suspect ignited combustibles stored under the trailer.
ARSON IN MECHANICSVILLE: Deputy Fire Marshall Jason Mowbray investigated an arson fire involving a John Deere 792DLC Excavator owned by Calvert Lumber Company on Jan. 11. The incident occurred at the Ben Oaks Development in Mechanicsville. The fire resulted in $100,000 in damages to the piece of heavy construction equipment. Six firefighters from Mechanicsville brought the fire under control within two minutes. A teenage white male was seen leaving the scene just after the fire was discovered on a red four ATV with a black box on its rear. Anyone with information about this fire is asked to contact the arson hotline at 1-800-492-7529 or the State Fire Marshal, Prince Frederick Office at 443-550-6820.