Chatham-Kent police have charged a 35-year-old Chatham woman with arson after a fire that began at a vacant Park Street home on July 14 spread to two neighbouring houses, investigators say.
What happened
Emergency crews were called to the 100 block of Park Street at about 6:33 a.m. for reports of a structure fire. Police, Chatham-Kent fire department personnel and EMS attended. The blaze started at the rear of the vacant dwelling and moved quickly to two adjacent properties, one of which was occupied by four people who were asleep at the time. All four evacuated safely and were not injured, officials say.
Investigation and arrest
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, working with Chatham-Kent police, determined the fire had been intentionally set. Police reviewed multiple surveillance recordings and witness statements, and say those materials showed a woman on the property before the fire, including in the area where investigators believe the blaze began. Footage reportedly showed the same individual on the property earlier the same morning.
On July 16, officers located and arrested the 35-year-old woman. Police say they recovered several items at the time of arrest that they believe are relevant to the investigation. The accused was charged with arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard for human life, and was held for a bail hearing.
Community role and next steps
Police credited members of the public who provided surveillance footage and information, noting that community contributions were significant to the progress of the investigation. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in determining the cause as incendiary.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police at 519-352-1234, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
- Time of call: ~6:33 a.m., July 14
- Location: 100 block of Park Street, Chatham
- Occupants: Four people evacuated from a neighbouring occupied home; no injuries reported
- Charges: Arson causing damage to property; arson with disregard for human life
Police continue to investigate. Anyone with relevant surveillance footage or information not yet shared with investigators is asked to contact the numbers above. The case remains before the courts pending bail and further legal proceedings.
| Key date | Action |
|---|---|
| July 14, ~6:33 a.m. | Fire reported at vacant residence on Park Street; spread to two neighbouring homes |
| July 16 | 35-year-old woman located and arrested; items seized; charged with arson offences |
