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Charges expected following search of Potsdam house that burned possibly due to meth lab, police say

Posted 2/21/19

Edited at 11:52a.m. to reflect that an injured firefighters was from Norfolk, not Norwood. NCN regrets the error. POTSDAM — Charges are pending following a fire possibly caused by a meth lab at 39 …

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Charges expected following search of Potsdam house that burned possibly due to meth lab, police say

Posted

Edited at 11:52a.m. to reflect that an injured firefighters was from Norfolk, not Norwood. NCN regrets the error.

POTSDAM — Charges are pending following a fire possibly caused by a meth lab at 39 1/2 Pine St. on Wednesday afternoon, according to Potsdam police.

Potsdam police could not provide much detail but did say that a search warrant was executed at the residence and that they are working with the county district attorney to file charges.

Police also would not identify the occupant of the house who was reportedly burned in the fire. He was said to be receiving treatment.

A Norfolk firefighter sustained a broken leg at the scene after becoming entangled in a large-diameter hose, according to Potsdam Fire First Assistant Chief Mark Bradish. He also confirmed a Potsdam firefighter sustained a knee injury for which he was treated and released.

Bradish said the upstairs of the house sustained extensive fire damage, and there was smoke and water damage throughout.

The cause and origin of the blaze were still under investigation.

The New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) responded to the scene, according to Jennifer Fleishman, state police public information officer.

Fire department officials turned the investigation over to police once it was determined the fire was possibly criminal in nature.

Police did not say when charges are expected to be filed and could not provide any other information at this time.

For our original story about the fire, click here.

A statement from Potsdam police said,

"The Potsdam Police Department Drug Task Force investigators responded to the scene of the Pine Street fire at the conclusion of the Fire Department operations. The scene was secured until a search warrant could be obtained. A warrant was issued by the Potsdam Town Court. The Potsdam Police Department was assisted in the execution of the search by the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office Detective's division, and the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Response Team. Criminal charges are pending."