Arson Investigation Underway In Bel Air: Fire Marshal

BEL AIR, MD — A fire that caused $5,000 in damage to a pair of townhouses in Bel Air Monday afternoon is being investigated as arson, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

At 12:40 p.m., a neighbor reported a blaze in the 900 block of Cheswold Court, the fire marshal said.

Crews found that the flames had spread from shrubs to nearby townhouses, according to authorities.

Exterior siding, an AC compressor and a plastic shed were damaged, the fire marshal reported.

The blaze began at two points where the suspect(s) ignited combustible material, which spread, the fire marshal said.

Damage was contained to the exterior of the townhomes, according to Rich Gardiner of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

In fact, within four minutes of being alerted, Gardiner said firefighters had arrived and contained the blaze.

Anyone with information about the incident may contact the fire marshal's Northeast Regional Office at 410-836-4844.

Photo Credit: John Gallagher, BAVFC.

PREVIOUS REPORT — Firefighters responded to a report of shrubs on fire Monday afternoon off East Macphail Road and found that the flames had spread to a group of townhouses, authorities reported.

At 12:40 p.m., crews had placed the blaze in the 900 block of Cheswold Court under control, according to Jenn Chenworth, spokeswoman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

She said that nobody was injured in the blaze, which started in a field, spread to a shed and extended to a townhouse.

Damage was contained to the exterior of the townhomes, according to Rich Gardiner of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

The fire marshal was investigating the cause.