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A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cumberland police and fire departments led to the apprehension of two 13-year-old teens in Cumberland who are charged with setting an early morning fire in the 100 block of Grand Avenue this week.
Shortly after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, the fire marshal said that members of the Cumberland Fire Department responded and discovered a fire within a two-story, vacant duplex.
Though it only took minutes to bring the fire under control, officials said that it caused approximately $1,500 in damage, and the investigation determined that it was intentionally set.
No injuries were reported.
The investigation led investigators to the two teens - whose names have not been released - who were apprehended and are facing charges that include:
- Second-degree arson;
- First-degree malicious burning;
- Malicious destruction of property.
Both were released to the custody of their parents and will be referred to the Department of Juvenile Services, according to the fire marshal.
“The arrest of these suspects reveals our partnership with our fire investigation and law enforcement agencies and their outstanding commitment to Maryland's citizens and firefighters,” State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci said in a statement.
“We are fortunate no one was injured because we have seen how acts of arson can quickly lead to tragedy as we did this January with the deaths of three Baltimore City firefighters.”
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