Pennsylvania Firefighter Charged With Second Arson
Source The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.
March 09--A 19-year-old Schuylkill County firefighter has been charged with a second arson for allegedly setting the fire that last month damaged a vacant Auburn home.
David M. Berk of Auburn was accused Wednesday of torching the back porch of the 412 Washington St. house at 11:25 p.m. Feb. 18, state police at Frackville said. The fire did an estimated $5,000 damage.
After starting the fire, Berk reported for duty with the Auburn Fire Company to help put it out, police said.
Police said he now has admitted the arson.
Two weeks ago, Berk was arrested for allegedly setting the 11:45 p.m. Feb. 1 fire that destroyed a residential garage at the rear of 434 Market St., also in Auburn. Damage was estimated at $25,000.
State police fire marshal Trooper John F. Burns filed the charges in both cases. No one was hurt in either fire.
In the new case, Berk was arraigned by District Judge James R. Ferrier on Wednesday afternoon on charges of arson, reckless burning, criminal mischief and risking a catastrophe, and sent to Schuylkill County Prison under $50,000 bail.
In the earlier case, bail was set at $100,000.
-- Frank Warner
Copyright 2012 - The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.
