Posted on 11/03/2004 6:17:39 AM PST by SoFloFreeper
"DUmmies out lighting America on fire this morning"
I wouldn't put it past them.
Fire's still moving fast:
They've lost the new wing on the left side. The fire that was smoldering in the first pic has broken through in the second.
Not much sleep, I can't remember much of anything at this point.
Looks like at least 3 ladder trucks up and working and numerous other firehoses running from ground level. Maybe a one-square-block complex... pretty big. Lots of smoke, flames are still visible. It was a pretty, old building. A shame it's being destroyed by this fire.
Dear FrankWild,
I lived in P(rince)G(arbage) County from 1966 to 2000. I live in Hyattsville (twice), New Carrollton, College Park, and Glenn Dale.
I went to grade school there, and high school, too.
But a hellhole is a hellhole.
It's sad. Once upon a time, it was a nice place.
sitetest
Well, Prince George's County is in Murr'linn'. Virginia has Prince George, Prince Edward, and Prince William Counties, and King & Queen County, as well. We also have Bumpass, Assawoman, and Assateague. Its a Southern thang!
I don't think this has anything to do with the election. I was in that building a thousand times when I worked down there years ago. The section that is burning is the old courthouse. The building was expanded with a very large addition that was added in the early 90's. Prince George's County is a VERY HEAVILY Democratic county that became a majority black county sometime during the late 80's. I can't see a reason why it would be a political target.
I agree, I'm thinking it's worker error as well, especially because the fire started on the roof.
700 D.U. members have locked themselves inside and started the building on fire in protest! Just kidding. (evil secret wish)
Good point. Most roof fires are construction-related. Nobody goes up there much (e.g. to smoke or use an appliance), permanent wiring is pretty minimal (one bare bulb), and most arson fires start at the bottom and work up . . .
Too much oxygen in the air.
"Oh crap! My son and his family are just getting ready to close on a house they are buying in that county. Hope this doesn't screw up the deal, they have already sold their townhouse.
"
It shouldn't have any effect on the closing. It may take a bit longer for the records to be filed, assuming that the recorder's office is in this building, but I doubt it.
Don't worry.
My guess is they're going to lose the whole block. If the wind is strong enough, the fire may stay out of the lower floors of the upwind wing, but even if that side doesn't burn to cinders the smoke and water damage will be catastrophic.
I would hate to be a firefighter on this one, these complexes that are built around an older building tend to be like rabbit warrens - floor levels that don't match up and stairs in odd places and lots of blind alleys. The county courthouse where I used to live was built in 1914 and added onto four or five times - people get lost in there all the time even without blinding smoke. I hope they are being very safety conscious. Whatever they're able to save from this one (and it won't be much) isn't worth a firefighter's life.
Shoot. If this is where I think it is, that is a rather cool old building; very nice looking, and has some history to it. Sorry to hear that.
Dear FrankWild,
I used to live in a newer development about a mile or so from the strawberry farm. We took our kids there on more than one occasion, and passed by it driving thousands of times.
Yes, it's all being developed now. Last time I look, they were building mini-McMansions in the $400Ks.
Yes, you read that right.
Off of Rte 450, where the turf farm is/used to be, houses are going in the $600Ks.
Think about PG property taxes. Can you say, "Thousand dollars a month"?
sitetest
Worked for Darrows?????
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