Hagerstown Man Charged With Arson After Trash Can Fire Spreads To Porch

Brandon Gaither, a 20-year-old man from Hagerstown, Maryland, was arrested and charged with second-degree arson and second-degree malicious burning after intentionally setting a fire in a trash can that spread to the front porch of a home on Mitchell Avenue. The fire was reported just before 12:40 p.m. on September 21, and firefighters quickly extinguished the flames without any injuries reported. Witnesses identified Gaither as the suspect, and he admitted to starting the fire during police questioning. Gaither was taken into custody near Winter Street and Church Street, booked at the Washington County Detention Center, and later released on his own recognizance after a court hearing. Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray praised the swift response and collaboration of the Hagerstown Fire and Police Departments, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in keeping the community safe. The investigation confirmed the fire was intentionally set, leading to Gaither's prompt arrest and charges.