Setting your car on fire for warmth can sometimes generate more heat than you bargained for.

One half of the duo who received international acclaim after torching their car for warmth in Pincher Creek last month is facing a multitude of extra charges — ones that police say are unrelated to the incident.

Constable Spencer Curwin of the Pincher Creek RCMP tells the Echo that 26-year-old Mark Foucault of Blairmore was arrested twice this week in two separate incidents, and now faces numerous motor vehicle and counterfeiting charges.

These charges are in addition to those laid in connection with December’s car fire seen ’round the world, which include operating an unregistered, unplated and uninsured vehicle.

Foucault and a companion were driving through a snowstorm overnight on Saturday, Dec. 28 east of Pincher Creek when their car slid off the road. Out of fear of succumbing to the frigid -9 celsius temperatures, the pair chose to light their car on fire — both for warmth and to act as a distress signal. Upon daybreak, the pair discovered that they were within a short distance of a farmhouse and sought help. Both were transported to Pincher Creek hospital suffering from frostbite and burns.

Foucault’s companion was arrested upon release from hospital for outstanding warrants.

This past Monday, Foucault found himself back in police custody after being pulled over for speeding by an RCMP member in Airdire. In addition to speeding, he also faces charges of operating an unregistered and insured vehicle, as well as failing to produce a driver’s license.

Just two days after his arrest in Airdrie, Foucault once again found himself in custody after being charged with producing and attempting to pass what police describe as ‘fairly unconvincing’ fake $20 bills.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP charged Foucault with one count of production and two counts of uttering counterfeit currency on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Both counts of passing funny money allegedly occurred in his hometown of Crowsnest Pass.

Police believe money related to Foucault’s charges may still be circulating in the Crownsest Pass and Pincher Creek area. Mounties advise both shoppers and businesses to be vigilant and to report any suspicious bills immediately.

Foucault is scheduled to appear in Pincher Creek court on Tuesday, March 11 in relation to the car burning incident. He is due in court in Airdrie Monday, March 17 in relation to January’s driving offences. His first appearance in relation to the counterfeiting charges has yet to be set.

Foucault was released on bail in all three cases.

bryan.passifiume@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @echo_bryanpass