Man arrested for suspected arson that displaced 10 people

Halifax police have arrested a man in connection with a suspected arson that displaced 10 people from an apartment building on Spencer Avenue in Halifax on Thursday.

Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency crews and police officers responded to the three-storey apartment building at 7:44 a.m.

Dave Slaunwhite, the district fire chief, said there were no significant injuries as a result of the fire but two people were rescued from the building through a window.

“The fire was very, very intense, with heavy smoke and fire on the initial crews arrival. They did a great job in knocking it down quickly but they would have been faced with some extreme conditions,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The fire was very, very intense, with heavy smoke and fire on the initial crews arrival. They did a great job in knocking it down quickly but they would have been faced with some extreme conditions," he said.

One tenant was taken to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

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Police say they were provided with information that led them to believe the fire had been deliberately set.

Shortly after 9:15 a.m., officers arrested a 35-year-old Halifax man at an address on Robie Street.

The investigation is ongoing but police say they anticipate laying charges.

Steve Adams, councillor for Spryfield, expressed concern for those who had lost their homes.

“I don’t know how long the building is going to be in a state of disrepair but there are some residents who have nowhere to live,” said Adams.

The Canadian Red Cross said at least 10 people have been displaced by the blaze.

Volunteers with the organization have arranged emergency lodging and food, clothing purchases and other basic necessities for nine adults from seven apartments.

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Adams said that support is only temporary and he suspects fundraisers will surface to help assist the displaced residents.

He urges anyone who wants to help support those in need to contact his office.

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A total of seven fire stations responded to the fire. Slaunwhite says the structure fire was contained fairly quickly despite the significant damage caused to the building.

Many residents who were displaced didn’t want to comment but said the building is owned by a private operator.