Maryland Man Faces Multiple Arson Charges Following 2025 Fire that Displaced Five Residents

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Cambridge man arrested for 2025 arson. Faces up to 95 years, $123K in fines for 1st-degree arson, property destruction, and endangerment charges.

According to Deputy State Fire Marshals, a Cambridge man has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson incident that occurred in August of last year. Patrick Ryan Gifford, 28, was taken into custody at his residence on Academy Street in Cambridge. The charges stem from a fire that investigators allege Gifford set at a home on Race Street on August 27, 2025, following an argument with an occupant of the property.

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The fire, which required the response of 36 firefighters from the Rescue Fire Company, took approximately one hour to bring under control. The blaze caused an estimated $250,000 in damages to the two-story, wood-frame single-family home. Tragically, five individuals were displaced as a result of the incident.

Gifford was indicted by a Grand Jury on Monday, March 16, 2026, facing serious accusations including Arson 1st Degree, Attempted Arson 1st Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree, Malicious Burning 2nd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property over $1,000.00, and three counts of Reckless Endangerment. Following the indictment, an arrest warrant was issued for Gifford.

With the cooperation of the Cambridge Police Department, Deputy State Fire Marshals located Gifford at his home and served him with the arrest warrant. He was subsequently transported to the Dorchester County Detention Center without incident. If convicted of all charges, Gifford could face a maximum sentence of 95 years and six months of incarceration and/or fines totaling $123,000.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Deputy State Fire Marshals

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