Prosecutors say an external ignition source started the blaze, which led to a collapse that killed three Baltimore City firefighters and injured three others

BALTIMORE — A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2022 Stricker Street fire that killed three Baltimore City firefighters and critically injured another, according to court documents.

WBFF reported James Barnett, 57, was taken into custody on Nov. 14 and is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree arson, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.

According to court documents, a 911 caller reported a building fire with people trapped inside. When crews arrived, they found the three-story rowhome heavily involved, but based on the report of occupants, firefighters attempted an interior attack. While they were inside, the structure collapsed, trapping six firefighters and killing three of them.

| MORE: Go/no-go decisions simply can’t be litigated on social media

Surveillance video shows a man, now identified as James Barnett, entering the rowhome, creating “several flashes” inside and leaving minutes later, according to court documents. Intermittent smoke was later seen coming from the rear of the rowhome, and no one else entered the building before the fire broke out around 5 a.m., the documents state.

Investigators noted there had been two previous fires at the building, and Barnett admitted he always had access to it, according to court documents. He told investigators he briefly went inside on Jan. 23, 2022, but left because it was heavily charred. The documents also say the light source he used matched the sparks and open flame of a butane cigarette lighter.

ATF investigators concluded the blaze was caused by an external ignition source applied to combustible materials and ruled it incendiary, meaning it was intentionally set.

Barnett is scheduled for a bail review on Nov. 17.

Tazewell County leaders, with backing from local fire chiefs, are proposing a part-time, paid department to strengthen mutual aid, improve training and modernize fire protection

November 16, 2025 12:00 PM

A home in Chino Hills was reduced to rubble in a powerful blast and forced firefighters to evacuate 16 homes

November 17, 2025 08:39 AM

Fresh off reinstatement, Fire Chief Jamie Jent proposed adding four full-time firefighters to improve response times and keep pace with a 56% rise in calls

November 16, 2025 08:00 AM

City leaders say the proposed fees could save taxpayers millions and push care facilities to improve how they assist residents

November 17, 2025 09:33 AM

 · 

The new 23,000-square-foot headquarters in Wellford, and expanded service center in Dillon, strengthen Spartan Fire’s statewide service network and commitment to customer support

October 20, 2025 03:34 PM