Author of books on fires gets three years for arson

CHICAGO – A former firefighter and author of books about historic Chicago blazes was sentenced to three years in prison for setting a fire to a storage building at a church.

David Cowan, whose books include “Great Chicago Fires: Historic Blazes That Shaped a City,” pleaded guilty Monday to one count of arson, prosecutors said. Cowan, 42, of Chicago, apologised to the judge before the sentencing, defence attorney Thomas Durkin said.Cowan was charged with setting a fire June 9 at a storage building near the historic St.Benedict Church, where he had worked before being fired earlier this year, Durkin said.The blaze caused minimal damage and no one was hurt.Durkin said Cowan had been drinking when he set the fire and has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is undergoing treatment.He said the crime was related to Cowan’s domestic problems, but would not elaborate.Cowan worked for a fire department in a western suburb of Chicago for about seven years until 2003.- Nampa-APCowan, 42, of Chicago, apologised to the judge before the sentencing, defence attorney Thomas Durkin said.Cowan was charged with setting a fire June 9 at a storage building near the historic St.Benedict Church, where he had worked before being fired earlier this year, Durkin said.The blaze caused minimal damage and no one was hurt.Durkin said Cowan had been drinking when he set the fire and has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is undergoing treatment.He said the crime was related to Cowan’s domestic problems, but would not elaborate.Cowan worked for a fire department in a western suburb of Chicago for about seven years until 2003.- Nampa-AP