Cape Breton volunteer firefighters, charged with arson, to remain in jail

Two volunteer firefighters in Cape Breton who are accused in several cases of arson will spend at least one more night in jail before they find out whether they're granted bail.

Stephen Tremblett, 49, of North Sydney and James Clayton MacDonald, 24, of Bras d'Or, were taken back to the Cape Breton Correctional Facility following bail hearings on Monday.

Both men, who are with the Florence Volunteer Fire Department, were arrested on Thursday after an investigation into several abandoned buildings that were set on fire in and around Florence and Bras d'Or since the start of the summer.

Tremblett is charged with 12 counts of arson and MacDonald is charged with 16 counts of arson.

• 2 Cape Breton volunteer firefighters charged in connection with 16 arsons

After spending the weekend in custody, the men appeared for bail hearings in Sydney provincial court on Monday.

An emotional Tremblett appeared without a lawyer. His hearing has been put over until next week.

Strict conditions

MacDonald's bail hearing was interrupted repeatedly as lawyers explained to his parents the conditions of his release and what their responsibilities would be if he is released into their custody.

By the time the hearing was completed, court offices were closed for the day and it was too late for MacDonald to be released.

He is set to appear in court again on Tuesday.

If MacDonald is released, he must abide by several conditions including house arrest, having no contact with any members of the Florence Volunteer Fire Department and not possessing lighters or matches.

Judge Ann Marie MacInnes told the Crown the release conditions for MacDonald seemed very strict.

'Great public concern'

Crown attorney Sheldon Nathanson said they're justified.

"These matters of which he's accused are certainly matters of great public concern in terms of safety and also, protection of property," he said Monday.

"There's an ongoing police investigation. It's an extensive criminal investigation in terms of the actions of these two individuals."

MacDonald's parents have put up a $10,000 surety in cash and property, which the Crown said was their life savings. MacDonald himself is expected to post $1,000 under the release conditions.