Cambridge man arrested in 2025 arson that displaced family, officials say

Cambridge man arrested in 2025 arson that displaced family, officials say

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1 min read
March 20, 2026

Cambridge, MD – A 28-year-old Cambridge man has been arrested in connection with a house fire last year that displaced multiple residents and caused significant damage, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The arrest follows an investigation into a blaze that officials say was intentionally set after a dispute.

Deputy State Fire Marshals served an arrest warrant Thursday on Patrick Ryan Gifford at his home on Academy Street. He is accused of setting fire to a residence on Race Street on August 27, 2025.

Investigators said the fire began around 10:18 a.m. following an argument with an occupant of the home.

Cambridge man arrested in 2025 arson that displaced family, officials say
Photo: cambridge man arrested in 2025 arson that displaced family, officials say

Key Points

  • Cambridge man arrested in connection with 2025 arson on Race Street
  • Fire displaced five residents and caused about $250,000 in damage
  • Blaze followed an argument with an occupant, officials say

Fire caused extensive damage

Cambridge man arrested in 2025 arson that displaced family, officials say
Photo: cambridge man arrested in 2025 arson that displaced family, officials say

The one-alarm fire drew 36 firefighters from the Rescue Fire Company, who worked for approximately an hour to bring the blaze under control. Officials said the fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damage to the two-story, wood-frame single-family home.

Five people living in the residence were displaced as a result of the fire.

Arrest follows investigation

According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Gifford is accused of intentionally setting the fire after the dispute.

The case remains under investigation as authorities proceed with charges related to the incident.

Phil Stilton
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Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

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