2 firefighters allegedly set fire to put it out

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - Two members of a volunteer fire department are charged with setting fire to a vacant house in Prince George's County so that they could put it out.

Jerome Engle, 46, of Bowie and James R. Martinez, 24, of Damascus were indicted Thursday in the March 17, 2008 fire in Riverdale.

The charges include second-degree arson, burglary and conspiracy.

"The fact that volunteer firefighters were involved in this crime is inexcusable and leaves me without words to describe their actions," says Prince George's County Fire Chief Eugene Jones.

Authorities say both men are longtime firefighters and were members of the Riverdale Volunteer Department. Martinez currently is a professional firefighter in Montgomery County.

Authorities say they are questioning the men regarding other possible arson fires and involvement of other firefighters.

"This investigation remains open and is ongoing," Jones says. "We will find out how extensive this might be."

The Riverdale Fire Department had dismissed the firefighters for unrelated reasons prior to knowing about the investigation, according to a statement posted on the department's Web site.

"These indictments should in no way reflect on the sincere dedication that the majority of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel put forth each and every day protecting life and property," the statement says.

"We can only apologize to the communnity for the alleged actions of these individuals and ask that you not prejudge all volunteers on the basis of these indictments. As in any profession, there are those that stray, and they will be called to answer," the statement goes on to say.

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