London Police have laid arson charges in relation to a fire Tuesday night at a townhouse in the Glen Cairn neighbourhood.
Fire crews responded to multiple 911 calls about a fire at a residence at 99 Kimberly Avenue at 7:45 p.m Tuesday.
“Crews arrived to find a fully involved fire at a townhouse that was somewhat central to the building itself,” said platoon Chief Gary Mosburger, adding that firefighters ran into some restrictions when gaining access to the building to complete their search and rescue efforts.
He says no people or pets were found inside the building, but one woman was treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation.
Police announced Wednesday morning that they have charged a 28-year-old London man with arson with disregard for human life.
Police say a damage estimate is pegged at $300,000, and the investigation into the arson is ongoing.
Mosburger says the damage estimate could still rise because of fire, smoke and water damage to the two adjacent buildings.
“Some of the damage is relatively minor, but some of it has also impacted the ability to occupy those units, so at this point, there is nobody in three units of those buildings.”
Mosburger says fire crews have reached out to the Red Cross, which is currently helping to provide housing for three people — two adults and a child — who were displaced.
Crews reportedly remained at the scene the entire night battling the blaze and monitoring stubborn hotspots in the structure.