February 24th, 2012 by WCBC Radio
Deputy Fire Marshalls arrested a Cumberland man Thursday in connection with the February 17th, 2012 house fire at 629 Maryland Avenue in Cumberland. The 2:35pm fire caused approximately $100,000 in damage to the two story wood frame duplex. The other half of the duplex was vacant and unoccupied at the time of the fire.
The blaze brought approximately fifty-five firefighters to the two alarm blaze, which was brought under control in just over one hour. Two firefighters received minor injuries while battling the blaze and were treated and released. The occupant, Christian Liller, 30, received injuries after jumping to safety from a second floor window. He was transported to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A joint investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Cumberland Fire Marshal's Office, and C3I revealed Liller had intentionally set the fire with combustibles placed on and around the wood stove located in the kitchen in an apparent suicide attempt.
Liller was taken into custody Thursday afternoon upon his release from the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center and transported to the Allegany County Detention Center. He was charged with Arson 1st Degree, Arson 2nd Degree, Malicious Burning 1st Degree, and (2) counts of Reckless Endangerment. He remains at the detention center on $50,000 bond. If convicted of the charges, Liller faces penalties of up to 65 years imprisionment and/or $95,000 in fines.
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