By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 11, 2007 10:14 AM

The Rockville office of a bail bonds agency was set on fire early this morning, Montgomery County officials said.

Firefighters responded to Pantazes Bonding Agency, on 77 S. Washington St., at approximately 2:45 a.m. after the fire alarm in the three-story commercial building was activated, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Pete Piringer said.

"The fire had been extinguished by the sprinkler system," by the time firefighters arrived, Piringer said.

There were no reported injuries, but the blaze caused an estimated $25,000 in property damage, the spokesman said.

The fire was set in the reception area. It was not immediately clear whether any property was taken or any files were burned.

Montgomery County police, Rockville police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting with the investigation, Piringer said. The fire was ruled arson because a trained dog identified an accelerant that investigators believe was used to start the fire.

Pantazes is located across the street from the Montgomery County District Courthouse and it is the main provider of bail bonds in the county.

Piringer said investigators have made no arrests in the case.

"We're not aware of any motive," he said.