Laurel Playground Fire Investigation Making Progress

The investigation into a series of suspicious fires across Laurel is moving forward, the Baltimore Sun reports, though the case remains unresolved more than two months after a pair of city playgrounds burned to the ground.

The Laurel Police Department and Prince George's County Fire Department have been aggressively seeking clues into the March 3 and March 11 fires that destroyed equipment at Discovery Community Park and Emancipation Community Park, respectively.

The two fires shared key similarities and appeared to have been deliberately set, according to authorities.

In April, officials announced that they were widening their investigation to include seven Laurel-area fires, all of which showed signs of arson. The list also includes:

• A Jan. 10 fire outside of Bottom Dollar (12675 Laurel Bowie Rd.)
• A March 6 fire at Laurel Fuel Oil (101 Main St.)
• A March 20 fire outside an office building (14300 block of Laurel Bowie Rd.)
• A March 22 fire at Granville Gude Park (8300 Mulberry St.)
• A March 23 fire at Empire Buffet (14500 Laurel Pl.)

PGFD Fire Chief Marc Bashoor told the Sun that investigators have received several tips from residents. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Tipsters are urged to contact investigators at 301-772-7766. Callers may remain anonymous.

Read more from the Baltimore Sun.

More Laurel fire coverage from Patch

• Laurel Fire Investigation Widens to Seven Incidents (April 4)
•  (April 2)
•  (March 12)
• Fire Destroys Yet Another Playground in Laurel (March 11)
• Two Arrests in Granville Gude Park Playground Fire (March 10)
• Suspicious Fire Rips Through Discovery Community Park (March 4)