Fire Marshal Fire Investigations for January 2022

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NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION

Date: 1/4/22

Time: 11:44 a.m.

Location / Address: 5270 Zenobia Place, Indian Head, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2-Story Single Family Dwelling

Owner / Occupants: John & Irma Gray

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 150,000.00 Contents: $ 50,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: Present / Activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 40

Time to Control: 60 minutes

Discovered By: Occupant

Area of Origin: Concealed space around the chimney

Preliminary Cause: Accidental

Additional Information: The occupant was alerted to the fire by smoke detectors installed in the residence and escaped without injury. The fire was determined to be accidental, caused by a failure of the chimney. The Red Cross is assisting the residents.

 

[Editor]

La Plata Man Charged After Setting His Truck On Fire​

CHARLES COUNTY, MD (January 16, 2022) - A La Plata man is facing arson charges after Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded he was responsible for setting his truck on fire yesterday morning.

Shortly after 10 a.m., investigators assigned to the Southern Regional Office were requested to assist Charles County Sheriff's Office after believing Leroy G. Lyle, 67, had intentionally set his 2003 Dodge Dakota on fire. During the investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals confirmed that Lyles of the 8900 block of Hawthorne Road was responsible for the fire and charged with 2nd Degree Arson.

With the assistance of the Charles County Sheriff's Office, he was transported to Charles County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.

 

[Editor]

NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION

Date: 1/23/22

Time: 5:18 a.m.

Location / Address: 14595 Havensbrook Drive, Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 2 Story Single Family Dwelling

Owner / Occupants: Karen Benfield / Mike McKenna

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 190,000.00 Contents: $ 10,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: Present / Not Activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: None

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 48

Time to Control: 25 minutes

Discovered By: Homeowner

Area of Origin: Attached Garage

Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation

Additional Information: The homeowner was alerted to the fire by the odor of smoke in the basement. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office, at 443-550-5835.

 

[Editor]

NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION

Date: 1/27/22

Time: 5:23 p.m.

Location / Address: 9605 Crain Highway, Bel Alton, Charles County, Maryland

Type of Incident: Fire

Description of Structure / Property: 1 Story Single Family Dwelling

Owner / Occupants: Lorraine & William Hennessy

Injuries or Deaths: None

Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 100,000.00 Contents: $ 20,000.00

Smoke Alarm Status: Present - Activated

Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: None

Arrests(s): None

Primary Responding Fire Department: Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department

# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 47

Time to Control: 30 minutes

Discovered By: Passer-By

Area of Origin: Living Room

Preliminary Cause: Accidental - Unattended Candle

Additional Information: