Arson Ruled In Ocean Pines Home Fire

OCEAN PINES - An Ocean Pines woman is in critical condition in a Baltimore hospital this week after allegedly setting her own residence on fire early Monday afternoon.

Around 1 p.m. on Monday, Ocean Pines Emergency Services were alerted for an ambulance call for a reported drug overdose. While en route, Ocean Pines emergency services were advised the occupant of the residence, later identified as Roslyn Smith, had overdosed on medication and had threatened to burn her house down.

First-arriving units from the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Company reported heavy smoke and flames showing from the two-story dwelling. The blaze was quickly extinguished by firefighters from the Ocean Pines, Showell, Berlin, Bishopville and Ocean City fire companies. However, firefighters remained on the scene for roughly two hours.

Smith was treated at the scene by Ocean Pines EMS for burn injuries and respiratory complications. She was transported first to PRMC in Salisbury and then to the Bayview Burn Center in Baltimore, where she was listed in critical condition as of mid-day yesterday. The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire originated in a first-floor bedroom.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined the fire was intentionally set and is considered an arson. The investigation further revealed Smith was the only person occupying the residence at the time of the fire and Fire Marshal's Office investigators have determined she was the person responsible for the intentional setting of the fire. According to the fire marshal's office, the appropriate charges have been filed with the District Court Commissioner.