Pennsylvania Firefighters Face Arsons Charges

Two volunteer firefighters in Fayette County are in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing on arson charges. The suspects -- Robert Helms, 22, and his brother Michael, 27 -- are members of the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Department. Their father is the South Connellsville police chief, and their brother is the South Connellsville fire chief. Channel 4 Action News reporter Jennifer Miele is at the hearing. Refresh this page later for updates from court. The attorney general's office said Robert and Michael Helms are responsible for a pair of brush fires on April 16, 2005, that took two days to extinguish and scorched more than 60 acres in the Casparis area of Fayette County. Robert Helms is also accused of setting a fire in the Ball Hill forest area on April 10, 2005. According to the criminal complaint, a witness said Robert Helms acknowledged starting the fire accidentally with a cigarette while riding quads with his brothers. Related Links:More Fayette County News