Barrie Police have charged a 59-year-old woman with arson following a suspicious fire at a home on Essa Road last week.
Emergency crews were called to the residence between Burton Avenue and Innisfil Street shortly after 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21st after reports of a structure fire. Police say the two occupants inside the home escaped without injury, while the basement sustained moderate damage. Fire officials later determined the blaze appeared to have been intentionally set.
Investigators say an officer who noticed a vehicle outside the home at the time of the fire later tracked down the registered owner at a nearby residence on Essa Road near Loggers Run. Police allege the woman answered the door with significant burn injuries to her hands.
She was arrested around 4:45 a.m. and taken to hospital for treatment before being transported to Barrie Police Headquarters for a bail hearing. She faces:
- Arson – Damage to Property
- Arson – Disregard for Human Life (x2)
The Ontario Fire Marshal was notified but will not be attending the scene. Barrie Police continue to investigate.
