An early-morning blaze that gutted a Harford County home now appears to be a deliberate attack, with state investigators saying surveillance video shows a flaming gasoline container being hurled at the Whiteford-area house just before it went up in flames.
A neighbor spotted the fire around 1:30 a.m. Saturday and called it in, officials said. By the time dozens of firefighters arrived, the home was already heavily involved. Crews spent about two hours battling the flames before bringing the fire under control, but the house could not be saved.
According to WBAL NewsRadio, the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal reviewed surveillance footage that appears to show someone throwing a flaming gas can at the residence. The outlet reports that investigators believe the fire started roughly 20 minutes before the neighbor discovered it and that they are treating the incident as a targeted act. The Office of the State Fire Marshal asked anyone with information about the case to call 301-386-3050, WBAL NewsRadio noted.
Arson probes and potential felony fallout
Deputy State Fire Marshals are responsible for origin-and-cause investigations, including suspected arson cases, and can seek criminal charges when the evidence supports it. The Office of the State Fire Marshal has highlighted that these cases are no joke, pointing to a March investigation in Dorchester County where a suspect was indicted on first-degree arson and related counts. The case underscores how arson probes can end in serious felony charges and indictments in similar situations, see the Office of the State Fire Marshal for details.
WBAL NewsRadio reports the home, located in the 4300 block of Cooper Road in Whiteford, was declared a total loss with damage estimated at $300,000. Officials told the outlet the family was not home at the time of the fire and that investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.
How to help investigators
The Office of the State Fire Marshal accepts anonymous tips through its online arson reporting form and also operates a 24/7 tip line at 1-800-492-7529. Investigators say even small details, such as noticing a strange vehicle, an unfamiliar person on the property, or suspicious activity near the time of the fire, can help them piece together what happened and who might be responsible.
