Investigation Continues Into Arsons at Baltimore Prison
BALTIMORE CITY, MD (January 3, 2022) - Deputy State Fire Marshals continue their investigation into multiple intentionally set fires that occurred last night at Maryland Reception, Diagnostic and Classification Center (MRDCC).
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Baltimore City Fire Department responded to MRDCC located 550 East Madison Street for a building fire. Upon their arrival, correctional officers reported a fire on the 5th floor of the detention center and were evacuating inmates from the housing unit. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions and were able to extinguish the fire within minutes.
Baltimore City Fire Department reported that a total of 28 people were treated for minor smoke inhalation, while three inmates and one correctional officer were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. Due to the detention center being a state facility, the Office of the State Fire Marshal took the lead in the origin and cause investigation.
Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded that a total of three fires were intentionally set in the common area of the tier. The items included paper products, clothing, and a heavy-duty plastic rolling food cart. While investigators were investigating the fire, inmates on a separate tier set two more fires, including clothing and a food cart. Baltimore City firefighters were assisting investigators and quickly extinguished the fire.
Working in conjunction with detectives assigned to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Service Intelligence and Investigative Division, the investigation continues, and charges will be filed after consultation with the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office.
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The
Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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