Bethlehem police say a Delmar man's marijuana cigarette ignited lawn debris, causing a fire that destroyed two apartment buildings at a complex in Delmar Tuesday night.

Juan Miranda, 35, is charged with Making a False Written Statement. An investigation into the fire revealed he was smoking a marijuana cigarette in the courtyard between buildings 9 and 11 at the Deer Run Apartments on Equinox Court, off Kenwood Avenue. The fire spread rapidly to both buildings due to dry conditions.

Miranda was arrested Friday morning, processed, and released. He's due back in court in the Town of Bethlehem on June 20, 2023.

The May 30 fire destroyed the two buildings. Nobody was hurt but eight families have been displaced, now getting assistance from the Red Cross. Police initially said the cause of the fire did not appear suspicious.