Felony Arson Charges Filed in Garrett County Fire

A Hedgesville, West Virginia man is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a fire that occurred in Oakland, Maryland, on July 30, 2026. According to an announcement from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Chad Edward Care, 43, has been charged with first- and second-degree arson, along with two counts of first-degree malicious burning. These charges stem from an investigation into a fire that destroyed a greenhouse and two camper trailers, resulting in an estimated $40,000 in damages.

The incident unfolded on the afternoon of July 30th when deputies from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, accompanied by an accelerant-detection K-9 named Quinn, were dispatched to the vicinity of Dobbin Road in Oakland. Investigators at the scene determined that the fire was not accidental but was intentionally set. The investigation revealed that the arson was a result of a family dispute involving one of the property owners. The Gorman Fire Department was responsible for extinguishing the blaze, and the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance during the investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

Deputy State Fire Marshals served Care with a criminal summons on the morning of August 13, 2026, at Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. The Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency within the Department of State Police, is committed to safeguarding citizens from fire and explosion hazards through education, inspections, investigations, and fire protection engineering.

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

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