Editor’s note: A revision of this story corrected the spelling of the individual’s last name.
A Hancock man has been jailed on arson charges after allegedly threatening to burn down a Seavolt Road home before that residence caught fire on July 29.
According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Joseph Brian Potter, 40, has been arrested on charges of first-degree arson, arson threat, first-degree malicious burning and malicious destruction of property over $1,000. 
Hancock Volunteer Fire Company and nearby fire companies responded on July 29 to a house fire in the 125000 block of Seavolt Road around 6 p.m.
“During the investigation, investigators learned the occupant had allegedly threatened to set the home on fire before the fire was reported. Based on that information, investigators issued a lookout for the occupant and the vehicle he was believed to be driving. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in a bedroom of the home and concluded it was intentionally set,” the Fire Marshal’s office said in a press release on Thursday.
Because of the arson threats, Deputy State Fire Marshals engaged with officers at the Cumberland Police Department while the fire investigation was ongoing at the scene, and asked Cumberland police to bring Potter into custody.
Potter was then transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he was charged with the felony crimes.
“Intentionally setting a fire is a reckless act that puts lives, property, and firefighters at risk,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “Our investigators worked quickly to determine the cause, and we’re grateful for the assistance of the Cumberland Police Department in bringing this case to a swift resolution.”
