A Nanjemoy man has been charged with setting fire Aug. 25 to a two-story house on Hawthorne Road in La Plata, the Maryland State Fire Marshal reported.

Craig Brian Simms, 43, has been charged with first-degree arson and threat of arson.

It took roughly 40 firefighters about 15 minutes to bring the 2:04 a.m. fire under control.

The blaze caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the home. No one was hurt.

Investigators determined the flames were intentionally set in the first-floor living room. The three-month investigation showed Simms started the fire following a dispute with his ex-girlfriend.

Simms was ordered held on $50,000 bail at a Thursday hearing. He has also been indicted on charges that he committed an armed robbery Oct. 5.

JEFF NEWMAN