On Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 10:43 pm.,  the Waldo County Communications Center received a 911 call from an individual a 1647 Bailey Road in Knox reporting a fire at the residence.  Deputies from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Knox Fire Department, responded to the scene.

Occupants of the home were able to suppress the fire using a fire extinguisher and water prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.  The fire was primarily contained to a single bedroom.  Due to the suspicious circumstances, the Office of the State Fire Marshal was notified.  Fire Marshall investigations responded to the scene and subsequently determined that the fire had been intentionally set.

Jessica Allsop, 41, who had been temporarily staying at the residence, was taken into custody by Fire Marshal Investigators and transported to the Waldo County Jail  Allsop has been charged with two counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Arson and Violation of Conditions of Release.  She is being held without bail at the Waldo County Jail.  The two other occupants of the home were evaluated on scene by local ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation.  Several dogs were also inside the residene at the time of the fire.  All were able to escape without injury according to a press release issued by Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety, Augusta, this afternoon.