A 72-year-old man has been arrested and charged with arson with disregard for human life following a fire at 99 McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham.
On Monday, Chatham-Kent (CK) police reported that the cause of last Thursday's fire was determined to be arson, and a suspect was identified following an investigation.
The fire caused $250,000 in damage. Fire crews arrived to heavy smoke and extreme heat on the second floor, preventing immediate entry.
Dozens of occupants were safely evacuated from the social housing complex and given temporary shelter assistance through the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Police officials noted no one was hurt in the fire, and it was contained to a single unit. However, other units suffered smoke and water damage.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information related to this arson is asked to contact CK police at 519-352-1234. Anonymous information can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
The same building was the site of another arson in August 2024 that displaced approximately 100 residents for up to a year.
The trial for the two accused in the 2024 arson starts on Tuesday.
