Volunteer firefighter accused of setting house on fire

LIBERTY TWP., SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A volunteer firefighter is accused of purposely setting a house on fire and later responded to help extinguish it.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on February 27 around 6:00 p.m., a fire was reported at a vacant house on Tripp Lake Road and Laurel Lake Road in Liberty Township.

Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit was called to find the cause and through further investigation, the fire was determined to be an arson.

Investigators identified a possible suspect, James Heaman, 20, of New Milford, who discovered the fire and is a volunteer firefighter with Snake Creek Fire Department. Heaman was interviewed by state police and admitted to entering the abandoned house, dropping a lit match onto the ground, and igniting nearby items, PSP said.

State police have charged Heaman with the following;

• Aggravated arson
• Arson
• Criminal trespassing
• Causing catastrophe
• Risking catastrophe
• Criminal mischief

Heman was placed in the Susquehanna County Prison on $50,000 secured bail

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