Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release
Martin OMalley Governor William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal ,

CHARLES COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON

INDIAN HEAD, CHARLES COUNTY (May 8, 2013) - An ongoing investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office has lead to the arrest of Charles Harding, 49 of Welcome, who intentionally set his house on fire. The charges stem from a fire at 29 Elder Place of Potomac Heights in Indian Head on March 7th around 3:55 pm. The fire caused approximately $55,000 in damages. The fire department was able to control the fire before it spread to nearby neighboring houses and residences. The investigation of the into the origin and cause of the fire determined the fire to be intentionally set in the bedroom of the detached single family dwelling. Harding, who was identified as the owner of property, has been charged with Arson, First Degree and Malicious Burning with the Intent to Defraud. Harding was not residing at the residence at the time of the fire. Harding will have court appearances in the upcoming months, and faces up to 35 years of imprisonment and/or $55,000.00 in fines if convicted. Anyone with additional information in reference to this investigation is asked to call the State Fire Marshal's Office at 443-550-6820 or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529.

### Media contact: Caryn L. McMahon, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 240-435-0804
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: www.firemarshal.state.md.us and/or follow us on Facebook under Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

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