By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

ST. JOHNSVILLE — A Hough Street resident is facing misdemeanor charges following an investigation into a late-January fire at his residence.

St. Johnsville Police Chief Diana Callen on Monday indicated that George P. Failing, 29, of 24 Hough St., was arrested on Feb. 5 and charged with growing cannabis by an unlicensed person, endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all Class B misdemeanors, following an investigation into the mid-afternoon fire that displaced several residents at that address.

Among them were a mother and infant, who were able to flee the burning structure after the mother heard what a police officer at the scene described as a “noise.”

At the time of firefighters’ arrival, flames were shooting out upper-story, rear porch windows, where the fire is believed to have started, said Callen. From there, the fire spread to the roof. Fortunately, it was confined to the attic and upstairs portion of the residence.

Callen said “everyday equipment” used in the growing operation was determined to be the cause of the fire, which was accidental in nature.

Failing was issued appearance tickets and released. No additional charges are pending.