The fire at a Clarksburg apartment complex that displaced more than 40 residents is believed to be arson.
Investigators are working to have formal charges filed against a juvenile suspect, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Assistant Chief Daniel Ogren confirmed to MCM on Tuesday.
Two residents were taken to the hospital with non-critical injuries in the fire at 12832 Clarksburg Square Road, and four firefighters were injured with two taken to the hospital with non-critical injuries.
24 apartments were affected with 43 residents displaced. Montgomery Housing Partnership and the county launched a relief fund for families impacted by the fire.
Three pets were killed, according to County Executive Marc Elrich. During his media briefing Tuesday, Elrich said the juvenile had previously engaged in setting fires.
“I was angered and disappointed to hear that the Department of Juvenile Services released the juvenile again and did so without any kind of monitoring for him,” Elrich said. “This juvenile clearly needs significant interventions — he needs help.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Feature photo courtesy MCFRS Assistant Chief David Pazos
