August 6th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged an 18 year-old male suspect with arson related charges after determining he was responsible for igniting a fire using accelerants in a 2nd floor room of a vacant two-story single family dwelling. The property is located at 118 Kolberg Drive in Westernport, Maryland.

The 6:09 p.m. one alarm blaze was brought under control within 20 minutes by firefighters from Potomac Volunteer Fire Department and six additional local fire departments at the scene. The fire was contained to the second floor of the dwelling. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set using ordinary combustibles and a liquid accelerant. During the investigation, the next door neighbor, Joseph Broadwater, Jr. (18) confessed to starting the fire after knocking over a container of gasoline he had ignited.

Broadwater was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center on charges of 2nd Degree Arson and 1st Degree Malicious Burning. Damage estimates to the structure and contents are $35,000. After review before the Court Commissioner, Broadwater was released on his own recognizance.