RIVERDALE PARK, Md. - Several volunteer firefighters in Prince George's County have been suspended as investigators look into whether six recent arsons may have been set by those in charge of putting out fires, sources tell ABC 7 News.

The sources confirmed that several volunteers at county firehouses, including the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department, have been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation. 

ABC 7 News has also learned that two of the suspended Prince George's County volunteers are full-time career firefighters in Montgomery County (web | news) . A spokesman there will say only that Montgomery County Fire Investigators are now assisting Prince George's in its investigation.

The possibility that firefighters were involved in setting fires has many residents upset, including Riverdale Park resident Jack Blades.

"I think if it's true -- get the hell out of Riverdale, go someplace else," he said.

Officially the county fire department will only confirm that an investigation is underway into a list of suspicious fire in areas as far apart as Fort Washington and Beltsville and dating back to February. Each of the burned homes was vacant and there have been no injuries.

"As far as I can see, they're hard working honest guys," added Riverdale Park resident Linda Holiday. "It don't make no sense."

No one has been charged. The investigation remains on-going. 

Arsons Under Investigation

Date	Time	Address	Location
2/14	5:36 a.m.	4603 East West Highway	Riverdale Park
2/27	3:44 a.m.	6310 K Street	Chapel Oaks
3/7	5:33 a.m.	11207 Livingston Road	Fort Washington
3/8	12:37a.m.	4410 Josephine Avenue	Beltsville
3/27	1:09 a.m.	5601 Tilden Road	Bladensburg
3/29	4:54 a.m.	Baltimore Ave. & Madison St.	Riverdale Park

 

 Email To Friend