Overview

• The Baltimore County Fire Department said Mark Hawkins, 66, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson and first-degree malicious burning.
• The explosion leveled his house at 8120 Callo Lane around 2 a.m., and fire crews brought the flames under control by 3 a.m.
• Officials said no one was inside at the time, and neighbors reported the occupants were out of town.
• Baltimore Gas and Electric inspected nearby properties after the blast and reported no alarming findings.
• Damage to surrounding homes was limited, though one neighbor was displaced, and records show Mark and Denise Hawkins purchased the property in 2022 for about $335,000.