HAGERSTOWN, Md.
— A 32-year-old Hagerstown man has been arrested and charged with arson and multiple related offenses after investigators concluded he intentionally set fire to a downtown apartment building while it was occupied.
Dameon Davonte Irby is facing charges including first-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, third-degree burglary, and seven counts of reckless endangerment, following a May 19 fire at 56 E. Antietam Street, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m., prompting a response from the Hagerstown Fire Department. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames on the building’s third floor. Investigators later determined that stove burners in a vacant apartment had been turned on to high heat.
No injuries were reported, but 14 residents—seven in the building where the fire originated and seven in an adjacent structure—were present during the incident.
Witnesses told investigators that Irby had been illegally staying in one of the vacant apartments and had been ordered to leave. He was reportedly seen leaving the building shortly before the fire and was heard threatening to “burn the building down,” investigators said.
Fire deemed intentional after stove burners left on
The Office of the State Fire Marshal confirmed that both third-floor apartments were vacant and determined the fire was set intentionally. The investigation led to Irby being identified as the suspect.
With assistance from the Hagerstown Police Department, Irby was located and arrested without incident. He is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.
Authorities have not disclosed any additional motive behind the fire. The building sustained damage from smoke and flames, though the full extent has not been publicly released.
