Pittsburgh-Area Firefighter Charged With Arson

ARNOLD, PA — An Arnold volunteer firefighter is facing arson and multiple other charges in connection with four weekend fires in the Westmoreland County communities of Arnold and New Kensington.

Andrew Bischof, 23, was charged Wednesday with numerous felony counts that include aggravated arson, risking a catastrophe, burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespassing, according to court documents.

The four residential structure fires happened on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. They fires were in close proximity to each other and the fire marshal was called in to investigate.

Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation determined that Bischof left the scene of one fire and returned a short time later with the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department.

WPXI-TV reported that the volunteer fire company, which has suspended Bischof, released the following statement that said in part: “We are appalled to learn that these incidents were likely theactions of someone with whom we’ve placed our trust. We recognize the level of public trust that the community places with the fire department, and we take that trust seriously.”

Bischof was denied bail and is being held in the Westmoreland County Jail. He faces a preliminary hearing on Oct. 12.