Police Search For Arsonist Behind Blaze That Injured 7 Md. Firefighters

RIVERDALE, Md. (WJZ)—Searching for an arsonist. Detectives in Prince George's County say a fire that hurt seven Maryland firefighters was set on purpose.

Jessica Kartalija has the latest on the investigation.

"This cowardly crime is unconscionable to me," said Chief Marc Bashoor, Prince George's County Fire.

An angry Prince George's County fire chief vows to find the person or group responsible for sending seven firefighters to the hospital.  Six have been released, including 21-year-old Ethan Sorrell, who sustained severe burns to his airways.

Sorrell's charred radio sat front and center at Wednesday's news conference.

But Kevin O'Toole, 22, is still in critical but stable condition with second- and third-degree burns on over half of his body.

"O'Toole will likely remain in the hospital for many weeks and have many months of physical therapy," Bashoor said.

His injuries are not an accident. They were caused by a person, group of people, or perhaps a serial arsonist.

Fire officials are already investigating two arsons. But they're also looking into the possibility that the same party could be responsible for starting other fires in the Riverdale neighborhood.

"We have found that if somebody does it once, there is a very high likelihood that it will be done again," said David Cheplak, ATF.

It's worrisome for people like Felipe Aguilar who lives on the same street of the arson.

"I'm kind of concerned about what is happening, but hopefully nothing is going to happen here," Aguilar said.

"I want to say to those who are responsible, you can be assured that you will be apprehended, that you will be arrested, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Angela Alsobrooks, State's Attorney.

The fire department is asking for help from the public in finding the arsonist. If you have information, call 1-866-411-8477.