KNOX — A Knox woman was arrested May 4, following a call to Waldo County Communications Center at approximately 10:43 p.m., reporting a fire at a residence on Bailey Road, according to a May 6, press release from the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office. 

Jessica Allsop, 41, was arrested and charged with arson and attempted murder after allegedly intentionally setting a bedroom alight in the residence, where she had reportedly been staying temporarily.

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, with the fire primarily contained in a single bedroom, according to the release. 

Due to the suspicious circumstances, the Office of the State Fire Marshal was notified. Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene and subsequently determined that the fire had been intentionally set. 

Allsop 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 residence at the time of the fire; all were able to escape without injury.