By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
DELMAR —A structure fire at two apartment buildings at 9 Equinox Court in Delmar was deemed not to be suspicious, but both buildings appear to be a total loss, according to Bethlehem Police.
An arrest was also made Friday in which a Delmar man was charged with making a false written statement to police in connection with the blaze.
The fire broke out May 30 at around 7:30 p.m. When first responders arrived, the two apartment buildings were fully involved, police said.
“Occupants of the building were able to escape and no injuries were reported to any occupants as a result of the fire,” according to a statement from police.
Several fire agencies from the towns of Bethlehem, Guilderland and New Scotland responded to the scene and were able to put out the flames, but not before the buildings were destroyed.
The Red Cross also responded to the fire and assisted eight families that were displaced.
Fire officials investigated the scene and later determined the fire was not suspicious.
However, on June 2, Juan Miranda, 35, of Delmar, was arrested by Bethlehem Police and charged with making a false written statement during the initial investigation in connection with the fire. The charge is a misdemeanor.
“The investigation into the fire revealed that Miranda was smoking a marijuana cigarette in the courtyard near buildings #9 and #11 Equinox Court, which resulted in the ignition of dried lawn debris,” according to the police statement. “Due to the dry conditions the fire spread rapidly, causing both buildings to become fully involved.
Miranda was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to return to Town of Bethlehem Court on June 20 to answer the misdemeanor charge.