Authorities have apprehended a volunteer firefighter in Carroll County in connection with a series of fires that occurred over the past year in the Eldersburg and Liberty Reservoir areas. The suspect, identified as Allison Nicole Creutzer, a 20-year-old resident of Eldersburg, has been charged with several counts, including intentionally setting fire to grass, brush, and woodland. The charges also include three counts of second-degree malicious burning and one misdemeanor count of making a false report of a fire, as stated by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.

The investigation, carried out in collaboration with the Baltimore Environmental Police, culminated in Creutzer's arrest on Saturday night. The authorities initially began probing a series of wood fires that were deliberately set in March 2023, finding similarities with other fires that occurred on May 14, 2023, and June 8, 2023. During the course of the investigation, Creutzer was linked to a 911 call reporting smoke in the vicinity of Maryland Route 32 and the Liberty Reservoir bridge on May 8, 2023.

In August 2023, Creutzer was a member of the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department, but her membership was suspended due to the ongoing investigation. Ultimately, she did not renew her membership at the end of the year. Subsequently, Creutzer joined the Reese Volunteer Fire Co., where she was serving at the time of her arrest.

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray emphasized that the alleged actions of one individual should not reflect upon the thousands of dedicated career and volunteer firefighters who dutifully serve the community. Mowbray expressed disappointment in Creutzer's alleged actions and encouraged the public not to disparage the work and sacrifices made by the firefighting community.

Creutzer was released on a $10,000 unsecured personal bond by a district court commissioner. The investigation into the string of fires remains ongoing, as authorities work to establish a clear timeline and motive behind Creutzer's alleged actions.

The arrest of a volunteer firefighter in connection with the fires that plagued the Eldersburg and Liberty Reservoir areas over the past year has sent shockwaves through the community. As the investigation continues, authorities will undoubtedly focus on determining the extent of the damage caused by these intentionally set fires and bringing closure to those affected by the incidents.