Hagerstown Man Charged in Intentional Fire at Downtown Apartment

A Hagerstown man has been arrested following an investigation into a fire that damaged a downtown apartment building last month while more than a dozen residents were inside. Authorities identified Dameon Davonte Irby, 32, as the individual responsible for setting the blaze, which occurred in the early morning hours of May 19, 2025, at 56 E. Antietam Street.

Around 2:00 a.m., firefighters from the Hagerstown Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at the downtown location. Upon arrival, they encountered smoke billowing from the third floor and flames obstructing the hallway near the top of the stairs. After extinguishing the fire, crews found that the stove burners in a vacant apartment had been left on at maximum heat, prompting further investigation.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal determined that the fire had been intentionally started. Both third-floor apartments were confirmed to be unoccupied, and witnesses reported that Irby had been illegally residing in one of the units prior to the fire. Witnesses also recounted hearing Irby threaten to set the building on fire and later observed him leaving the premises shortly before the fire was discovered.

At the time of the incident, a total of 14 residents were living in the building complex, which included both 56 and the adjacent 54 E. Antietam Street. Following the investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals, with support from the Hagerstown Police Department, apprehended Irby without incident. He has been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, third-degree burglary, and seven counts of reckless endangerment. Irby is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal press release.

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