NEW CARROLLTON, Md. -
Fire investigators say an apartment building fire that claimed two lives tonight in New Carrollton is suspicious. Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor says the fire broke out on the top floor of a building in the 7600-block of Fontainebleau Drive.
Eyewitnesses say a man trapped on the balcony actually caught on fire and burned to death. A second adult victim jumped from a balcony to escape the flames. But officials say that victim died later at a local hospital from trauma.
Chief Bashoor would not say why investigators think the fire is suspicious. But some people who live in the neighborhood tell Fox 5 some residents of the apartment complex are part of a program for people with drug problems and mental disabilities.
The fire is now a joint investigation with the New Carrollton Police Department, County Police Department and Fire Investigations.
Fire Investigators have provided a preliminary fire loss estimate of $200,000 to the structure and contents.
