Bail was denied for the man charged with arson in connection with a 2022 fire on Stricker Street that killed three Baltimore firefighters.

James Edwin Barnett, 57, of Baltimore, was arrested Friday and charged with three counts each of second-degree arson, second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment, according to online court records.

The charges come three years after a vacant rowhome collapsed during a fire on Jan. 24, 2022, trapping three firefighters. Baltimore City Fire Lts. Kelsey Sadler and Paul Butrim and Firefighter\EMT Kenny Lacayo died in the fire, and Firefighter John McMaster suffered extensive injuries.

The judge said Barnett would pose a danger to the community and that the court has “great concern” for the safety of the public.

Court papers

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