SANDY TOWNSHIP – Steven M. Rode, 23, of Sykesville is accused of setting four fires at a DuBois facility serving people with disabilities.
According to a news release, the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and Sandy Township police and fire departments investigated a series of fires at Fayette Resources.
The facility is located at 15 Arminta St., in Sandy Township, and it’s owned by Community Connections of Clearfield and Jefferson Counties.
State police say an electrical issue and fire occurred during the evening hours Jan. 14 inside the facility. It didn’t require a fire department response, but Penelec was notified.
The second fire occurred in the basement laundry room during the early-morning hours Jan. 15. Sandy Township firefighters responded to the scene, the fire was contained and damage was minimal.
The third fire also occurred in the basement laundry room inside of an operating dryer during the evening hours of Jan. 21.
State police say facility staff members extinguished the fire and evacuated the facility. Another fire occurred that evening, which involved clothing removed from the dryer during the earlier fire.
The fire marshal was requested to investigate the cause of each fire. He ruled each fire as arson and an on-duty employee, Rode, confessed to allegedly setting the fires during an interview Jan. 22.
Rode has been charged by state police with aggravated arson; arson-endangering persons; causing/risking catastrophe; criminal mischief; recklessly endangering another person; and disorderly conduct.
State police are continuing their investigation in the case, according to the news release.
