LEONARDTOWN, Md. (August 7, 2009)—Deputy State Fire Marshals are continuing with their investigation into a dwelling fire that occurred last night. The 9:59 p.m. fire occurred in the 40000 block of Hawk Court. The two story wood frame single family home was occupied by Keiko Oppelt and her 22-year old son, Blake.
The fire, reported by a security alarm company brought approximately fifty-firefighters from Leonardtown, Hollywood, Mechanicsville and Seventh District to the scene. It took firefighters over an hour to bring the two-alarm fire under control. The fire caused an estimated $275,000.00 in damage to the home.
Deputy State Fire Marshals have determined the fire originated in the basement of the home. Investigators after conducting numerous interviews and having concluded with their scene investigation determined the fire was intentionally set.
Investigators learned a verbal altercation had occurred between mother and son prior to the fire. When firefighters arrived Blake was found standing in the rear yard and was suffering from self inflicted wounds. St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and Maryland State Police were requested at the scene. Oppelt was taken to St. Mary's Hospital where an emergency evaluation was being done.
Source: Md. State Fire Marshal