DETROIT - A 29-year-old Detroit man faces a federal arson charge in connection with a blaze that injured seven Detroit firefighters.

The U.S. attorney's office says Samson Wright appeared Friday before a U.S. magistrate on one count of destruction of a building used in or affecting interstate commerce, by fire.

He is being held until Monday when a detention hearing is scheduled.

A conviction carries a sentence of five to 20 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted federally because the penalties upon conviction are higher than in state courts.

The Aug. 13 fire destroyed a two-story commercial building on the city's east side. The initial blaze was extinguished. The firefighters were hurt when bricks and other debris fell on them after the blaze reignited.

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