A Pitcairn firefighter, suspected of setting two trash can fires Tuesday, has been ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

James Cole, 19, was arraigned early yesterday on two counts each of reckless endangerment, arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

District Judge Jeffrey L. Herbst in Monroeville will schedule a preliminary hearing later.

Mr. Cole, who lives in the apartment building where the fires occurred, was held in the Allegheny County Jail on $2,000 bond, pending psychiatric evaluation.

He also was ordered to have no contact with anyone who lives in the building.

The first fire was reported at about 5:30 a.m. at the apartment building on Broadway Street. Borough firefighters quickly extinguished it before any damage was done.

A second fire was reported later in the afternoon. Firefighters arrived to find Mr. Cole, fully outfitted to fight a fire, watching the garbage burn. The can was pulled from near the building and the fire was put out.

First Published: June 26, 2008, 2:30 a.m.