Grand Forks man charged with hotel arsons

One day after fire destroyed a landmark hotel in Grand Forks, a 47-year-old resident of that city is facing serious criminal charges.

Early Wednesday morning, flames ripped through the old Grand Forks Hotel. The building was more than 100 years old. The nearby Winnipeg Hotel was also set on fire and sustained damage. Firefighters managed to save that building.

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It is believed the fires were both started by the same person. Within hours, police arrested Christopher James Cusack and seized a gasoline jerry can from his home.

On Thursday, Cusack was formally charged with two counts of arson and endangering human life.

The second count is because Cusack is also accused of setting fire to the Winnipeg Hotel.

14 people living at the Grand Forks Hotel are now looking for new homes. Another 15 people who worked there are now looking for a new job.