Dorchester County, Md. (WBFF) — A Cambridge man is facing a maximum of 95 years in prison for arson charges after he allegedly set fire to a home that displaced five people and caused $250,000 in damages after an argument with one of the homes residents., according to The Office of the State Fire Marshal.
28-year-old Patrick Ryan Gifford was arrested on Thursday at his home located at 510 Academy Street in Cambridge.
On August 27, 2025, around 10:18 a.m., Gifford allegedly set fire to a home at 1105 Race Street following an argument with an occupant of that residence.
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It took 36 firefighters from the Rescue Fire Company about an hour to put out the one alarm blaze.
The fire displaced 5 occupants and caused about $250,000 in damages to the two story, wood frame, single family home.
1105 Race Street fire{ }(The Office of the State Fire Marshal)
Gifford was indicted on March 16 for the charges of arson in the first degree, attempted arson in the first degree, malicious burning in the first degree, malicious burning in the second degree, malicious destruction of property over $1,000, and three counts of reckless endangerment.
Deputy State Fire Marshals later issued an arrest warrant for Gifford.
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With the help of the Cambridge Police Department, Gifford was located and served with the warrant on March 19.
Deputy State Fire Marshals transported Gifford to the Dorchester County Detention Center without incident.
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If found guilty of all charges, Gifford faces a maximum penalty of 95 years and 6 months of incarceration and/or $123,000 in fines.
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