Eighteen people, including a police officer, were taken to hospital following an apartment fire in Mississauga early Monday morning.
Emergency crews were called to a building near Inverhouse Drive and Lakeshore Road West around 3:40 a.m. Firefighters rescued 16 residents from units on the third and fourth floors after a fire broke out in a hallway.
Police say the blaze is suspected to have been deliberately set. Fire officials also confirmed crews had responded to multiple fire incidents at the same building in recent days, including another fire on the same floor the previous day.
Two people suffered serious but non-life-threatening burns, while at least eight others experienced minor smoke inhalation. Several additional residents were assessed and treated at the scene.
A firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze. Peel police said the officer taken to hospital had injuries unrelated to the fire.
The fire has since been brought under control, and some residents have been allowed to return home. Third-floor residents are expected to remain displaced for some time because of the damage.
The Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified and will investigate the incident.
Update – Police believe a resident of a specific unit was deliberately targeted and identified three suspects during the investigation. Joshua Pedersen, 28, was arrested in Hamilton on Oct. 15, while Morgan Murphy, 27, of Burlington, was arrested on Oct. 26.
Both face multiple charges, including arson with disregard for human life. Pedersen also faces charges related to mischief, break and enter, and possession of break-in instruments, while Murphy is charged with conspiracy. Both accused remain in custody pending bail hearings.
Meanwhile, police continue to search for the third suspect, identified as 30-year-old Madison Varga.