A 57-year-old man has been charged after a fire was allegedly intentionally set inside a triplex in Oshawa over the weekend, forcing residents to evacuate.
Emergency crews responded to the area of Ortona Avenue and Bloor Street East at approximately 3:40 p.m. on May 9 following reports of a fire inside a multi-unit residence. Police assisted Oshawa Fire Services while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Investigators later determined that a tenant had allegedly started the fire deliberately. The suspect sustained minor injuries, was taken into custody at the scene, and later transported to hospital.
Authorities confirmed that all other residents were evacuated safely and no other injuries were reported.
On Monday, investigators, along with the Office of the Fire Marshal, carried out a search warrant at the property to gather evidence connected to the incident.
Phil John Layng has been charged with arson causing disregard for human life and remained in custody pending a bail hearing.