Belair Road Arson Caused $1M In Damage; Fire Marshal Seeks Tips

BEL AIR, MD — A possible arson on Belair Road caused more than $1 million in damage to a pair of commercial buildings, according to authorities. Investigators have asked for help locating a red truck they say may belong to the suspect.

Crews were called to the 1200 block of Belair Road around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, according to Rich Gardiner of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

Two buildings were on fire behind the Birroteca restaurant, the fire marshal reported. They were described as metal shell structures that are home to eight businesses.

Firefighters from Abingdon, Bel Air, Fallston, Joppa-Magnolia and Kingsville brought the blaze under control within under an hour, Gardiner said.

Two businesses sustained direct damaging, with more than $1 million worth of items inside them lost, according to the fire marshal.

After investigating Saturday, officials said they believe the blaze was arson and said they noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area — a late model Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab (four-door truck, possibly made between 2015 and 2019) — and have asked for information.

Have information about the fire or can you identify the vehicle/owner? Call the fire marshal's Northeast Regional Office Tipline at 410-386-3050.