State Fire Marshal Seeks Persons of Interest in Aberdeen House Fire

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking two juveniles as persons of interest in connection with a Saturday fire at a home on Bush Chapel Road in Aberdeen which occured as the Aberdeen Fire Department was opening its newest station.
Fire units responded to a report of a house fire at 15 Bush Chapel Road in Aberdeen at approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday. At about the same time, the Aberdeen Fire Department was hosting a Grand Opening for its new House No. 3 on Route 22, according to Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire.

The blaze began at the exterior of the home, according to Alkire, and was brought under control in about 15 minutes by members of the Aberdeen, Level, and Aberdeen Proving Ground fire companies. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries, but refused treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The two-story, single-family home is owned by Wilber and Maxine Warfield and, according to the Alkire, had recently been vacated by tenants renting the home. Damages to the home are estimated at $80,000.
Two juveniles, described by the fire marshal’s office as black males between the ages of 14 and 18, were observed on the property prior to the fire, and quickly running from area after the fire. One was described as wearing “tight jeans, dark in color with a white belt,” while no further description of the other was available. Both are believed to live in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the state fire marshal’s Northeast Regional Office at 410-836-4844 or the arson hotline at 1-800-492-7529. Callers can remain anonymous.