Man accused of intentionally starting fire in Purling

PURLING, N.Y. (NEWS10)– A Purling man is accused of intentionally starting a fire in an apartment building on October 17. According to New York State Police, 31-year-old Daniel Mcinnes was charged with fourth degree arson.

Mcinnes was arrested and charged on Wednesday.

Troopers said an investigation started when officers and seven fire crews responded to a structure fire on Mountain Avenue in Purling. Upon arrival, crews noticed a heavy smoke and requested additional crews.

Mutual aid was requested from Cairo, Round Top, Kiskatom, Catskill, East Durham, Oak Hill-Durham and Greenville fire companies. The Catskill Fire Company said they were immediately put to work when they arrived, as the fire was in an old building.

“These are notoriously labor-intensive fires,” the fire company said. According to officials, two firefighters sustained minor injuries at the scene. The American Red Cross aided two residents effected by the fire.

Troopers said once the fire was out, an investigation began. The investigation was conducted through a joint investigation with the state police and the Greene County Fire Investigation Team.

Officials said the investigation determined the fire was intentionally started in a bedroom inside the apartment. However, no one was at the residence at the time of the fire, troopers said.

After his arrest, Mcinnes was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Cairo Town Court on November 18 at 2 p.m.