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Talbot County resident Fred Rider III is facing multiple counts of arson and other charges for allegedly setting his own house on fire on Nov. 24, 2022, officials said.
According to the fire marshal, approximately four dozen firefighters were called to 27930 Peach Orchard Road in Easton on Thanksgiving to extinguish a fire that was reported in the home.
It took firefighters an estimated 30 minutes to control the fire, which required a tanker task force, but not before the damage was already done, officials say.
The fire completely destroyed the house, causing over $800,000 in damage to the structure and personal belongings inside the home. Rider’s family was displaced due to the fire, and continues to be assisted by friends and family.
It is unclear what caused Rider to set his own home ablaze.
Rider was served an arrest warrant at the Talbot County Detention Center and charged with:
- First-degree arson;
- Second-degree arson;
- First-degree malicious burning;
- Two counts of arson threat.
He was later released following his bond hearing. If convicted, Rider faces up to 75 years in prison and up to $105,000 in fines.
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