Aberdeen Man Charged for False Fire Alarm, Hindering Firefighters

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

HARFORD COUNTY, MD (August 1, 2014) – Deputy State Fire Marshals charged an Aberdeen man with making a false fire alarm after it was determined he intentionally activated a fire alarm at a local apartment complex.

Adam L. Duff (25) was charged with False Alarm as well as Obstructing Firefighters after investigators determined he intentionally activated the fire alarm at his apartment complex, Burton Manor Apartments located at 601 Cornell Street in Aberdeen.

Firefighters from Aberdeen Fire Department initially responded to an automatic alarm at 3:44 AM on July 31st. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered numerous tenants self evacuating the four-story building and searched each floor for smoke or fire. Duff never identified himself to firefighters as the person who activated the alarm or directed firefighters to a possible cause.

Duff was served with a criminal summons at his residence and he provided no motive as to why he willfully activated the alarm. If convicted, Dunn could face up to 8 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 in fines.

“Causing a false alarm is not only against the law; it puts people at risk of injury. Responding personnel could potentially be involved in an accident when responding to or leaving the scene and it could result in a delayed response to a real fire and/or other medical emergency. People that cause false alarms shall be held legally responsible for any harm that comes from their act,” stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci.