April 12th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

A Deputy State Fire Marshal has arrested a Washington County man after he set fire to his mother's apartment in Williamsport.  The three-story apartment building is owned by Midview Properties, LLC.  

            On February 27, 2018, at approximately 3:52 pm, approximately 66 firefighters from surrounding departments responded to a one alarm fire located at 40 N. Conococheague Street, Apt. 9, in Williamsport causing approximately $75,000 in damages.

           As a result of the investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, it was determined that Brian Keith Welch (2/15/1997), currently of 11503 Boyd Road, Clear Spring, Washington County,  used the stove to ignite cardboard boxes intentionally causing the fire inside Apartment 9.   As a result of the ongoing investigation, Mr. Welch was taken into custody by a Deputy State Fire Marshal at the Hagerstown State Police Barrack at approximately 3:00 p.m.   He was transported to Washington County Central Booking without incident.  

            The Deputy State Fire Marshal charged Mr. Welch with Arson 1st and 2nd Degree, Malicious Burning 1st and 2nd Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property.    Mr. Welch is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center waiting to be seen by the Commissioner.