Man charged in Pine Street fire injuring two firefighters takes plea deal

April 25-- Apr. 25--CANTON -- The man charged in connection with the Pine Street fire that injured two firefighters took a plea deal Wednesday.

Matthew N. Foote, 29, address not immediately available, pleaded guilty in St. Lawrence County Court to felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The charges are in connection with the Feb. 20 fire at 39 1/2 Pine St., Potsdam, that caused an explosion, blowing out two windows on the second floor of the two-story building next to the Pine Street Arena.

Two firefighters were injured in the fire. One had a compound fracture and the other a knee injury. Both were treated at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

A search warrant was obtained from Potsdam Town Court and police discovered a clandestine methamphetamine lab.

Mr. Foote was originally charged by Potsdam Village Police with third-degree manufacturing methamphetamine, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

In the plea deal Mr. Foote agreed to on Wednesday, he is being given a chance at participating in inpatient, substance-abuse treatment and the court's Judicial Diversion Program.

If he successfully completes treatment and the program, Mr. Foote will get the chance to avoid prison and be sentenced to five years of probation. If he fails, however, he faces up to nine years in prison.

He does have to pay restitution to the firefighters' insurance.

Mr. Foote was returned to St. Lawrence County jail, where he is being held without bail pending treatment placement.

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