Worcester County Deputy Fire Marshals Arrest Woman for Arson in Pocomoke City

A woman in Worcester County has been arrested for intentionally setting a house on fire. At approximately 1:40 p.m. on December 28^th, 2025, Worcester County Emergency Services received a 911 call from the occupant of a home on Linden Avenue in Pocomoke City, reporting that her house was on fire, and that she was trapped on the second floor, unable to escape. A Pocomoke City police officer, along with a City EMS clinician and City volunteer firefighter arrived on scene within minutes. These three professionals were able to force entry into the residence and rescue the victim from the second floor, prior to the arrival of fire apparatus and without the use of any safety equipment. Firefighters from the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company arrived shortly after and were able to quickly bring the blaze under control. The victim sustained serious injuries and was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore for further treatment. On December 28^th, Worcester County Deputy Fire Marshals arrested Margaret Jane Benchama on charges of 1^st Degree Arson and 2^nd Degree Arson; she was transported to the Worcester County Jail, where she is currently being held without bond. 

Additional Information from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office:

Investigators from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the incident.  After analyzing the scene, collecting evidence, and conducting interviews, investigators were able to determine the fire had started inside the residence and was incendiary. Investigators were also able to identify a person of interest, Margaret Jane Benchama, but were initially unable to locate her.  

At approximately 6:30 PM, Benchama was located and detained. Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigators conducted an interview with Benchama, during which she ultimately admitted to starting the fire intentionally.