Laurel Fire Investigation Widens to Seven Incidents

Authorities have expanded their investigation into a series of recent fires across Laurel and are now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, officials said Thursday.

Speaking from a lectern at the Laurel Police Department, city and county investigators said that a total of seven fires are now included in the probe. The incidents are responsible for an estimated $600,000 of damage in all.

Officials said two fires—the March 3 and March 11 fires that destroyed playgrounds at Discovery Community Park and Emancipation Community Park, respectively—were found to have key similarities.

The remaining five fires remain "incidents of interest," authorities said. They include:

• A Jan. 10 fire outside of Bottom Dollar (12675 Laurel Bowie Rd.)
• A March 6 fire at Laurel Fuel Oil (101 Main St.)
• A March 20 fire outside an office building (14300 block of Laurel Bowie Rd.)
• A March 22 fire at Granville Gude Park (8300 Mulberry St.)
• A March 23 fire at Empire Buffet (14500 Laurel Pl.)

(View a map of the incidents in the gallery at right.)

Police believe a March 8 fire at Granville Gude Park in which two juveniles were charged is not connected to the others.

"I appeal to anyone who knows something about these incidents to come forward," said Mayor Craig Moe. "Working together, we can preserve the well-being and future of our children."

"Arson is a heinous crime that we take very seriously in Prince George's County. We have an extremely talented and experienced team of fire investigators that will work day and night until whoever is responsible is arrested," said Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor.

Anyone with information on the fires is urged to conact the Arson Tip Line at 301-772-7766. Callers may remain anonymous.

Fire officials are also asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activitiy—including suspect and vehicle descriptions, if possible—to 911.