Man Charged With Burning Down His House

Fire officials say he used ordinary combustibles.

 

Sharpsburg, Md (KM) A Sharpsburg man is accused of setting his house on fire. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says James Anderson, 43. is charged with 1st-degree arson, 1st-degree malicious burning and one court of reckless endangerment.

38 Fire fighters from Sharpsburg and surrounding jurisdictions were dispatched late Friday night at 11:23  for a house fire in the 4800 block of Churchey Road. They spent two-hours bringing the flames under control. No injuries were reported.

Damage to the one-story, wood framed single family home is estimated at $200,000 to both the contents and the structure, but fire officials say it’s a total loss.

Investigators say the fire originated in the basement, and that Anderson was responsible for setting  the fire. They say he used ordinary combustibles ignited by an open flame. Anderson was transported without incident to Washington County Central Booking for processing.

The other occupant of the home was Rebecca Finkleman.

 

By Kevin McManus