ARSON: Deputy State Fire Marshall (DSFM) Jeff Frye investigated an arson of abandoned, single story, wood frame dwelling in the 12000 Block of Shiloh Church Road, Newburg, Charles County on May 2 around 1:43 p.m. The one alarm fire took 20 firefighters from Newburg, Cobb Island, Belalgon and La Plata 15 minutes to bring under control. The fire was started on the interior of the structure and discovered by a passerby. The estimated damage is $1,000. If anyone has information about this incident please contact the Southern Regional Office at 443.550.6830.
HOUSE FIRE: DSFM Jeff Frye investigated a fire of a 24' x 48' single story, wood frame single family dwelling at 11785 Big Bear Lane, Lusby, Calvert County on May 4 around 11:43 a.m. The residence owned by Stacey Stump sustained an estimated $70,000 in damages. The two alarm fire took 60 firefighters from Solomons, St. Leonard, Hollywood and Bay District one hour to control. The fire started accidently because of unattended food left on a stove. The family was displaced from the home.
YACHT FIRE: Deputy State Fire Marshalls Don Brenneman and John Nelson investigated a fire onboard a 2007 30' Cruisers Yacht belonging to Joseph Huff at 255 Alexander Street, Soloman's Island, on April 19 around 5:50 p.m. The accidental fire, discovered by the owner, started in the engine compartment because of a mechanical failure. Estimated damage was $1,000.
FIRE: DSFM Duane Svites investigated a fire at 4875 Strauss Avenue, Indian Head, on April 19 that resulted in $2,000 in damages. The fire started in an exterior wood pile by unknown means. The one alarm fire took 25 firefighters from Potomac Heights, Indian Head, Bryants Road 10 minutes to control. The occupants were not displaced from the home as a result of the fire.
FALSE FIRE ALARM: DSFM Don Brenneman investigated a false fire alarm at John Hanson Middle School in Waldorf on April 17 around 10:00 a.m. A 14 year-old juvenile activated the fire alarm system by pulling a pull station located inside of the Academy building. The alarm activated and functioned correctly and resulted in the evacuation of 1,000 students. A preliminary investigation by school officials and the Sheriff's Department determined that it was a false alarm and canceled a fire department response. The juvenile has been charged and released to parents pending further action by the Department of Juvenile Services.
FALSE FIRE ALARM: DSFM Don Brenneman investigated a false fire alarm at Great Mills High School. The incident occurred March 25 at approximately 1:42 p.m. A 17 year-old male student has been charged with intentionally pulling a false fire alarm on the first floor by the cafeteria. Approximately 1,700 students and staff had to evacuate the school. The youth was released into the custody of his mother. His name was also referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services for further action.
SCHOOL ARSON: DSFM John Nelson investigated an arson at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf that occurred on Feb. 29 around 2:15 p.m. A 12 year-old male was suspected of igniting combustibles that were placed in the middle of the floor in a men's bathroom. The fire was discovered by a school employee. The report lists the damages as $0. The juvenile was arrested on March 6 without incident. He was released to the custody of his parents and has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for further action. The school day was not interrupted as a result of the incident.