Toronto police say a 62-year-old man is facing charges in connection with an arson at a seniors’ apartment building in Scarborough that injured two women and displaced more than a dozen people.
According to police, a suspect started a fire on the ninth floor of a residential building near Victoria Park and Eglinton Avenue shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday.
Residents were evacuated from the building and two women were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In a news release issued Friday, police said 62-year-old Herbert Ward, of no fixed address, has now been charged in connection with the fire. He faces one count of arson/ fire or explosion/ threaten safety of another, as well as three counts of disobey a lawful order of the court.
The building was the scene of a fatal fire back in 2022.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said Thursday’s fire could have easily resulted in multiple fatalities.
“The conditions they (fire crews) fought through to evacuate numerous individuals is nothing short of heroic,” he told reporters at the scene on Thursday.
“Their incredible work is the only reason… we do not have multiple fatalities to report."
He said the hallway on the ninth floor has been completely destroyed.
Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC), which operates the building, said it is aware of this morning’s fire and the organization wishes the “injured individuals a full and speedy recovery.”
“The safety and well‑being of tenants and staff are our top priority. Staff are on site supporting tenants in the building and assisting with emergency services as they conduct their investigation," a statement sent to CP24 read.
“Eighteen units have been evacuated due to smoke and water damage. TSHC staff are arranging temporary accommodation for affected tenants at hotels, along with food vouchers and transportation. These tenants are sheltering in the building’s air-conditioned recreation room, and are being provided with food and water. Some tenants have opted to stay with friends and family instead.”
