Five volunteer firefighters in Maryland have been accused of intentionally setting fires — so they could put out the flames and play hero.
The suspects were indicted on arson and misconduct charges Friday after allegedly setting four fires at vacant homes during their shifts, according to WUSA 9.
The alleged arsons occurred over a one month period across Prince George’s County in 2019 and 2020, the local station reported. No one was injured.
Four of the suspects were criminally summoned, and one was arrested and is now behind bars on a $50,000 bond, the report said.
“If you violate the public’s trust, if you devastate our community in an impactful way, we will hold you accountable,” State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said Friday.
The accused fire-setters have reportedly been sidelined from fighting fires over the last 14 months due to the ongoing investigation, which involved 60 search warrants.
Investigators became suspicious after the fourth inferno, the report said.
About 100 firefighter arsonists are convicted in North America every year, an expert told the CBC in 2016.
Three volunteer firefighters on Long Island were convicted of similar crimes in 2018.