Officials: Devastating Riverdale Fire Was Result of Arson

A Riverdale Heights house blaze  on Friday was the result of arson, officials announced Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference in Landover Hills, Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor said that the fire had begun in the basement of the home at 6404 57th Ave.

Investigators also found evidence of a previously unreported fire in the home next door (6402 57th Ave.), which is thought to have occurred 2 to 3 weeks prior. Authorities believe the same person or people started both fires.

Bashoor called the episode "unconscionable" and said investigators would "leave no stone unturned to bring anyone responsible for this to justice."

Bashoor was joined at Wednesday's press conference by Angela Alsobrooks, state's attorney for Prince George's County, and David Cheplak, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Officials declined to comment on any specific evidence that led to a finding of arson, citing their ongoing criminal investigation, but Bashoor confirmed that authorities were looking into several other fire incidents around the neighborhood from recent years.

On top of arson charges, anyone found responsible for the blaze could face additional counts stemming from the firefighters' injuries.

Firefighter Kevin O'Toole, 22, remains hospitalized at the Washington Hospital Center with severe burns to over 40 percent of his body. Bashoor said O'Toole is expected to remain there for "many weeks."

Ethan Sorrell, 21, was released from the hospital Tuesday evening after being treated for burns to his airway. Both are members of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department.

O'Toole, Sorrell, and five others were injured battling the blaze when a gust of wind swept through the rear of the house. The resulting fireball engulfed about a dozen firefighters working inside, causing burns, lacerations, fractures and other injuries.

Though the house was vacant at the time of the fire, an untagged car parked in the driveway led firefighters to believe that someone might be inside. Officials declined to comment as to whether the vehicle offered any useful clues in their investigation.

Those with information on the fires or the person(s) responsible for setting them are asked to contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Anyone providing information leading to the capture of the alleged fugitive(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.