Hempfield man accused of setting Dumpster ablaze in Fayette County

A Hempfield man is accused of setting a Dumpster full of wood paneling ablaze to make room for roofing shingles, then failing to call for help when flames shot 6 to 8 feet above the metal trash container.

James Artman, 28, of Johnston Lane, is charged by Washington Township police with risking a catastrophe, failure to report a dangerous fire, dangerous burning, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Police charged Artman with two counts of reckless endangerment for allegedly endangering the lives of two firefighters who extinguished the blaze outside a house on Louise Street.

Artman, who police said was remodeling the house, was on the roof removing shingles when a police officer arrived at 2:12 p.m. Dec. 29 to find the Dumpster on fire in the driveway, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Two firefighters put out the blaze, which Artman told police might have started when he dumped in trash containing a cigarette.

The Dumpster's owner, Joseph Eori of Big's Sanitation in Belle Vernon, told police the rented container was full to capacity earlier in the day. Eori told police Artman didn't have money to rent another one and believes Artman purposely set the fire in the Dumpster to have extra room.

Artman denied putting the shingles into the Dumpster, but a firefighter found some inside. A witness reported seeing two men shovel shingles from the roof into the container, police said.

Charges were filed with Star Junction District Judge Richard Kasunic II. A preliminary hearing date has not been set.

You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service.

We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information.

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective. We will make them as carefully and consistently as we can. Because of the volume of reader comments, we cannot review individual moderation decisions with readers.

Read the rest here:
Hempfield man accused of setting Dumpster ablaze in Fayette County