State police at the Frackville barracks said David M. Berk, 19, of Auburn, a firefighter in his community, has been charged with arson stemming from a fire that happened on Feb. 18 at 412 Washington St. in the borough.

Police said Berk was arraigned before District Judge James Ferrier and committed to the Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, in lieu of $50,000 straight nail.Police said Berk admitted he intentionally started the fire at the rear of the dwelling at the above address and then responded to the incident as a volunteer firefighter with the Auburn Fire Company.Police said the fire caused in excess of $5,000 in damages to the structure, which was vacant at the time.