Waldorf, MD – Crews from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a pair of commercial building fires that were reported within five minutes of each other Tuesday morning, March 1, state officials reported.
According to the Maryland Fire Marshal’s Office, the first fire, reported around 1:58 a.m., occurred at the Goldmine Saloon on Old Washington Road and resulted in $500 damage to contents only. There were no injuries.
“A small fire was discovered in the furnace room,” stated Dfm. Melissa Decker. “The cause of the fire was determined to be the result of the furnace igniting nearby combustibles.”
At 2:03 a.m. crews were called to a three-story hotel on Crain Highway. The blaze, which resulted in $10,000 damage to contents within the hotel, was determined to have been deliberately set. “A hotel employee was alerted by the fire alarm,” stated Dfm. Zack Dell. “The sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire.”
No injuries were reported.
Over 40 firefighters were sent to the one-alarm blaze at the hotel, identified as Courtyard by Marriott/Baywood Hotels.
Anyone who might have information on the hotel fire that could aid investigators is asked to call the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Southern Regional Office at 443-550-6831.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
