08/02/2026
Suspected and arrested with due process continuing
🚨 ARREST MADE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY ARSON INVESTIGATION 🚨
HANCOCK, MD — A Hancock man has been arrested after investigators determined a residential fire was intentionally set.
According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal , at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, firefighters from the Hancock Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to a house fire in the 12500 block of Seavolt Road in Hancock. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the cause of the fire.
Investigators learned that the home's occupant had allegedly threatened to set the residence on fire prior to the incident. A lookout was immediately issued for the suspect and his vehicle.
The investigation determined the fire originated in a bedroom and was intentionally set.
While Deputy State Fire Marshals continued processing the scene, officers with the Cumberland Police Department located and detained Joseph Brian Porter, 40, of Hancock. He was later taken into custody by Deputy State Fire Marshals and transported to the Washington County Detention Center.
Porter has been charged with: • First-Degree Arson
• Arson Threat
• First-Degree Malicious Burning
• Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,000
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray stated that intentionally setting a fire is a reckless act that endangers lives, property, and first responders, and praised the coordinated efforts that led to the suspect's swift arrest.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
