Waldorf firefighters extinguished a deliberately set blaze at a local cigar lounge in the early hours of Oct. 30, 2025, containing the fire in five minutes with no injuries reported. The incident at Pasha Lounge, located at 3242 Old Washington Road in Charles County, originated in the humidor room, where an unidentified male suspect ignited materials, according to preliminary findings from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Crews from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department arrived around 12:30 a.m. after an alarm company notified dispatchers. Upon reaching the scene, responders found a broken front door and flames burning inside the single-story commercial building. Thirty-five firefighters battled the fire on a single alarm, with smoke alarms present and the fire alarm and sprinkler system activating as designed. The quick response limited the damage to $25,000 for the structure and $50,000 for contents, totaling $75,000 in losses. No arrests have occurred.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Southern Regional Office leads the investigation, classifying the cause as incendiary, a term used for fires intentionally set through human action. Deputy state fire marshals typically secure the scene, interview witnesses and document evidence, then analyze burn patterns and debris to pinpoint the ignition source. If criminal intent emerges, as in this case, the probe shifts to identifying suspects through surveillance footage, forensic analysis and public tips. Residents with information can call 410-414-3600.
Maryland treats arson as a serious felony under state criminal law. First-degree arson, which applies to fires endangering human life or property over $50,000 in value, carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines reaching $50,000. Second-degree arson, for less severe cases, allows up to 20 years behind bars. These statutes aim to deter acts that threaten public safety, with prosecutions handled by local state’s attorneys in coordination with fire investigators. In Charles County, such cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, which collaborates with the fire marshal on evidence collection.
Arson remains a persistent challenge in the area, with projections estimating $218,133 in total costs for the county in 2025, or roughly $1 per resident. These incidents often stem from disputes, vandalism or insurance motives, though specifics in this case await further inquiry. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office supports fire investigations with criminal leads, emphasizing community vigilance in commercial zones along routes like Old Washington Road, a corridor lined with shops and eateries.
