Suspicious Fire Occurs
at Local Waldorf Restaurant

October 13, 2003 1849hrs:

Waldorf units responded to The Great American Steak and Buffet restaurant on Crain Highway for a reported building fire. Within a minute of dispatch, Chief 3A Clark Embrey arrived on scene with smoke visible through the front windows. Engine 32 arrived moments later and quickly advanced a 1-3/4" attack line into the building. Chief 3A was advised by managers that the fire was located in the men's bathroom and they had attempted to extinguish it with a dry chemical extinguisher. Firefighters found the Men's room charged with smoke and two trashcans and two paper towel machines on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews from Eng-32 and Eng-33 began checking for extension. La Plata Truck 1 laddered the roof and provided additional negative pressure fans inside the building. The cause of the fire was suspicious in nature and is being investigated by the Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office. Units cleared the scene within an hour and returned to quarters.

Responding Units: Engine 32, Engine 33, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 121, Baden Engine 363 (with Ambulance 369), Bryans Road Engine 112, La Plata Truck 1, Accokeek Tower 24 (with Engine 242 running extra), Brandywine Squad 40, and Chief 3A.