Police have charged a woman with “arson disregard for human life,” after an Aug. 25 apartment fire Chatham.
According to authorities, the 30-year-old from Chatham was arrested and charged — then transported to police headquarters and held pending a bail hearing.
The investigation remains “ongoing,” according to a statement by Chatham-Kent police.
Damage to the roof of the building at 99 McNaugton Ave. West in Chatham, Ont. (Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue)
Emergency crews were called to 99 McNaughton Avenue West for a structure fire just before 6 a.m. Sunday.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent owns the building, which is a rent-geared-to-income apartment complex.
126 tenants were forced out long term because of the damage. They’re staying at area hotels or with friends or relatives.
“I just saw a great big huge orange flame,” said Susan Stoddart, who lived in the building for 12 years, previously told CBC News.
“It was almost like a nightmare,” she added.
Susan Stoddart lived in the building for 12 years, she said. (Jennifer La Grassa/CBC)