Cumberland Man Arrested and Charged in Connection with July Fire

According to a press release from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, a Cumberland man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire that occurred on July 4th in the vicinity of the Board of Education maintenance building. Michael Gage Butler, 30, was apprehended by state troopers last Thursday.

The incident took place shortly after midday on July 4th, prompting a response from the Cumberland Fire Department and the Cumberland Police Department to the location at 211 Market Street. Firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent building and limiting the estimated damages to approximately $1,000. Investigations into the cause of the fire were conducted by multiple agencies, including the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Cumberland Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cumberland Police Department, and Board of Education Security. Review of surveillance footage provided crucial evidence, showing Butler entering the area just prior to the fire. The footage reportedly captured Butler using a lighter to intentionally ignite brush and grass.

Following the investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals formally charged Butler with Malicious Destruction of Property exceeding $1,000. He was subsequently presented before a District Court Commissioner and was released on his own recognizance, awaiting his trial.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal

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