SPRINGVALE — A 40-year-old Biddeford man accused of setting seven fires in the second-floor unit of a two-unit Biddeford apartment building Sunday remained at York County Jail in Alfred overnight, unable to make bail.

Jason J. McGarey made a first appearance via video from the jail before Judge Daniel Driscoll at Springvale District Court Wednesday afternoon. Assistant District Attorney John Connolly said McGarey’s alleged actions and prior felony record made the case for leaving his bail at the $25,000 originally set.

“This is arson of a building,” Connolly told the judge. “(It was) an extremely dangerous situation.”

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office and Biddeford Police arrested McGarey at his home at 235 Pool St. at about 4 p.m. Monday for allegedly setting the fire at a two-unit apartment building at 5 Simard Ave. No one was injured in the blaze, but the owners of the building and their dog were displaced.

McGarey is charged with arson and burglary. Arson is a Class A crime that carries a maximum prison term of 30 years. Burglary is a Class B crime, which carries a 10-year maximum prison term.

Connolly said McGarey’s criminal history includes a 2011 conviction for violating a protection order, and convictions in 2003 on drunk driving and habitual offender. He was convicted of aggravated criminal mischief and theft by receiving stolen property in the 1990s, said Connolly.

Attorney Devin Hamlin, who was representing several inmates who had first court appearances Wednesday, asked the judge to allow an option for $75,000 in surety bail. Driscoll ordered McGarey be held on the original $25,000 cash bail, but allowed a real estate surety option of $100,000. Driscoll ordered that if McGarey makes bail, he is to refrain from the use of alcohol, drugs and must not possess incendiary devices. He would be subject to random searches and testing, and is prohibited form any contact with the building owners, Walter and Amanda Lagrange.

Maine Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland earlier this week said McGarey’s girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child, lived in the second-floor unit until recently.

The unit was empty at the time of the fire after an unspecified “police event” there earlier this month, Biddeford Fire Chief Joseph Warren said. Connolly on Wednesday said the apartment that was torched had earlier been the subject of a search warrant by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. No charges have been filed as yet in connection with that warrant.

The fire was discovered by police officers who responded to a call by the homeowners, who live on the first floor, according to McCausland. The homeowners had reported hearing an intruder on the second floor.

The fire department was notified of the blaze at about 8:10 p.m. It took about an hour to get the fire under control, fire officials said.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros contributed to this story. Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].