Arson charge in Gananoque rowhouse fire

Gananoque police have charged a town resident with arson in connection with a fire in a rowhouse Saturday morning.

No one was injured when fire tore through the two-storey rowhouse in the 500 block of Garden Street.

Fire officials said that, at approximately 11:14 a.m., firefighters responded to a call and encountered heavy smoke and flames visible from the front door and an upstairs window of the home.

“Thanks to the swift and co-ordinated efforts of our firefighters, they were able to make rapid entry into the structure and initiate an aggressive fire attack,” they added in a statement.

“This quick response led to the successful knockdown of the fire, halting its spread and preventing damage to neighbouring properties on either side of the affected home.”

There were no injuries to any residents or responding personnel. The cause of the fire and cost of damages remains under investigation.

“Our thanks go out to the dedicated members of the Gananoque Fire Department for their professionalism and bravery, which helped to ensure a positive outcome in this incident,” the statement continues.

Later Monday morning, town police said one person faces charges.

“As a result of multiple witness statements and evidence found at the scene,” officers began a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the fire, police added.

As a result, a 25-year-old Gananoque resident has been charged with arson – disregard for human life, arson – damage to property, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

The accused was held in custody for a show cause bail hearing.

Police did not immediately provide further details about the accused.