Firefighters were called around 12:40 p.m. to a home on Mitchell Avenue in Hagerstown on Sunday, Sept. 21, when a fire was started in a trash can and spread to the front porch, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
It was later determined that the fire was intentionally set by Brandon Gaither after deputies interviewed witnesses at the scene.
Hagerstown Police officers later spotted Gaither near Winter Street and Church Street, took him into custody, and questioned him.
Officials said he admitted to starting the fire. No injuries were reported.
Gaither, 20, was charged with second-degree arson and second-degree malicious burning. He was booked at the Washington County Detention Center and later released after a hearing before a District Court Commissioner.
“Thanks to the quick response of the Hagerstown Fire and Police Departments and the thorough work of our investigators, this case was quickly resolved before anyone was injured,” acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said.
“This arrest highlights our strong partnership with our local law enforcement and fire service agencies to keep our communities safe.”
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