WALDORF, Md. (October 13, 2014) – A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals along with Charles County Sheriff’s Office detectives are continuing their investigation of a fire that damaged Fred’s Sports, a well known gun range and shop. The 4:30 a.m. blaze on Monday at 2895 Crain Highway caused an estimated one-million dollars in damage to the structure and products inside.
The preliminary on scene investigation has determined the cause of the fire was incendiary in nature with evidence the store was burglarized prior to the discovery of the fire. Over 35 firefighters from Waldorf, La Plata, Brandywine, Accoceek, Hughesville and Clinton were able to control the two-alarm fire in less than 30 minutes.
There were no reported injuries and an estimated time for the business to reopen has not been established. The business was not equipped with a sprinkler system. Due to the business being licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), investigators from that agency have arrived and are assisting the owner in securing the building and the inventorying of remaining merchandise.
Investigators are requesting anyone with information about this fire or observed anything suspicious in the area prior to the fire to contact the Southern Regional Office at 443-550-6835 or contact the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-492-7529.
Source: Office of Maryland Fire Marshal