WILLARDS, Md.- The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office ruled two early Friday fires in the Willards area to be arson. The office is seeking assistance from the public in an effort to locate the suspect or suspects responsible for setting the fires.
The first fire occurred at around 1:48 a.m. at a two-story home located at 35475 East Line Road. It took 50 firefighters from the Willards, Pittsville, Gumboro, Parsonsburg and Millsboro fire companies approximately two hours to get the blaze under control.
One of the home's occupants was transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and released.
The fire also destroyed a 2003 Cadillac Escalade.
Damage to the home, contents and vehicle are estimated at $350,000.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire started on the front porch.
The second fire is reported to have occurred at around 2:10 a.m. at a vacant two-story home at 35525 Tingle Road.
There were no reported injuries. The fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damage to the structure and another $5,000 in damage to its contents.
Investigators ruled the fire as arson and determined it started in the rear kitchen area of the home.
Anyone with information about either of the aforementioned fires is asked to call the Salisbury Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office at (410) 713-3780 or the Maryland Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529.
