Carroll County, MD – A volunteer firefighter from Carroll County has been apprehended on charges related to multiple fires in the Eldersburg and Liberty Reservoir area. The arrest marks a significant development in a series of investigations into woodland fires over the past year.
Allison Nicole Creutzer, 20, from Eldersburg, faces charges including intentionally setting fire to grass, brush, and woodland, three counts of second-degree malicious burning, and one misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a fire. Creutzer was associated with the Reese Volunteer Fire Company at the time of her arrest.
The Baltimore Environmental Police, who played a pivotal role in the investigation, arrested Creutzer yesterday evening. The Office of the State Fire Marshal initiated the investigation in March of the previous year, following a sequence of deliberate wood fires involving leaves, trees, and foliage. Similar incidents were reported on May 14 and June 8, 2023. Additionally, Creutzer is linked to a 911 call made on May 8, 2023, reporting smoke near Route 32 and the Liberty Reservoir bridge.
Previously a member of the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department when the fires occurred, Creutzer was suspended in August 2023 amid the ongoing investigation and did not renew her membership at the year’s end.
Following her arrest, Creutzer appeared before a District Court Commissioner and was subsequently released on a $10,000 unsecured personal bond.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray emphasized the importance of not letting the alleged actions of one individual tarnish the reputation of the many dedicated career and volunteer firefighters. He expressed disappointment over the incident but highlighted the commitment and sacrifices of the vast majority of firefighters who diligently serve Maryland communities.