Reward Offered in Suspicious Fire at Popular Restaurant

The three-alarm fire at a popular Upper Marlboro restaurant last week has been declared suspicious by fire investigators and a reward for information is being offered.

Prince George’s County Fire Department Spokesman Mark Brady said on Twitter Sunday that the public should share leads on the blaze at Tuckers Restaurant, established on Marlboro Pike since 1969. The eatery caught fire early Wednesday morning, according to a report by the Prince George’s County Fire Department.

The estimated loss in the fire is put at $1.3 million Brady said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 301-77-ARSON (27766) anonymously for call the Crime Solvers tip line 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or visithttp://pgcrimesolvers.com . A cash reward up to $1,000 is being offered.

One firefighter was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released. More than 100 firefighters were alerted of the fire by a 911 call at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning claiming smoke was flowing out of the roof of Tuckers.

After 30 minutes of battling the blaze, firefighters were called out of the building due to fear of a potential roof collapse. They continued to fight the flames from outside the building, using “master streams” to provide high volumes of water. Firefighters perched themselves atop ladders to gain higher ground as they fought the fire from outside the structure.

Officials said the bulk of the fire was quelled by 5:10 a.m.

The Upper Marlboro community didn’t take long to begin grieving the loss of Tuckers on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

One commenter wrote:

“WOW woke up to bad news..... Tucker’s burned down through the night. They had great food. :- ( “

Another wrote:

“Good Morning family. I woke this morning turned on the news and my favorite Friday Night Dance spot is on fire. I have met some wonderful people in Tuckers .Wow I hope everyone is safe. This is a total shock. Where am I going to get my catfish nuggets now? Wow hope all is well with the employees my extended family. Mz. J thinking about you guys this morning.”