Arson Cause Of $200K Fire At Pasadena Sports Bar (Update)

PASADENA, MD — Investigators said Saturday that the fire that heavily damaged Coconut Charlie’s sports bar and grill in Pasadena was intentionally set. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department says damage from the fire has been estimated at $200,000. Officials have not said how the blaze was set or where it started in the business.

Anyone with information, photos or video of the fire is asked to call (410) 222-TIPS or use the online form. This is an active criminal investigation and no additional details are available, the fire department said.

The two-alarm fire was reported at 3:05 a.m. Friday at the business, located at 9129 Fort Smallwood Road. The call from the alarm company was quickly followed by 9-1-1 calls reporting a building fire at the venue. Firefighters reported fire on the side of the one-story structure, and found heavy fire in the attic area of the restaurant.

A second alarm was requested, bringing 75 firefighters to the scene. The fire was extinguished in about 90 minutes, and caused extensive damage to the building, including a partial roof collapse.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries in a fall from a ladder, and was treated at the scene Friday morning.

On its Facebook page Coconut Charlie's said, "Thank you to everyone who has reached out today. It makes me feel great to know how many of you care for our "family" at Charlie's. Right now it's very overwhelming for me. We will be back, better than ever, and hope all of you keep all the employees affected by this in your thoughts. Tomorrow is another day and can't wait to see everyone again at "Pasadena's" best little bar in the near future!"

»Photos of Coconut Charlie's fire in Pasadena courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department