A local woman is facing arson charges following a multi-house fire in Chatham.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said emergency crews were called to Park Street near Adelaide Street South at around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday after a fire broke out in the rear of a vacant home.
The fire quickly spread to two neighbouring homes, one of which was occupied by four residents who were asleep at the time. All four were able to escape the blaze without injury,
Following an investigation with assistance from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, it was determined that the fire had been set intentionally. Officers obtained surveillance video which captured a woman on the property prior to the fire, in the area where the fire is believed to have originated. The video also showed that the woman had been on the property earlier that morning.
Through the surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence, authorities were able to identify a suspect, who was arrested on Thursday.
The 35-year-old Chatham woman is now charged with arson damaging property and arson with disregard for human life. She was held in custody for a bail hearing.
Anyone with information that would assist the investigation is asked to call police at 519-352-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
