CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (October 10, 2012)—Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating an intentionally set fire inside the Potomac Heights Baptist Church located at 37 Glymont Road in Potomac Heights.
The 6:30 a.m. one alarm fire was out before the arrival of Potomac Heights and Indian Head Naval Base fire departments. An employee of the church arrived this morning and observed smoke coming from the building and quickly called 911.
Investigators determined accelerants were poured inside through a broken window of the sanctuary and subsequently ignited by an unknown individual(s). The fire damaged carpeting, four upholstered chairs and the interior wall of the church before self-extinguishing. Damage from smoke, soot and fire was estimated at $80,000. The adjoining Christian Academy was not affected and continued with normal operations.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is requesting anyone having information regarding this incident to call the Southern Regional Office at 410-550-6820 or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529.