By Anthony Teolis
A 22-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with arson following a fire in a second-floor washroom of a downtown Barrie building.
First responders were alerted about the fire at 31 Bayfield St. just before 11 p.m.
Police say firefighters extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to any of the upstairs apartments or the licensed establishment below. Firefighters also utilized a large fan to rid the area of smoke, allowing tenants to return to their rooms safely.
Upon further investigation, police allege the fire had been intentionally set.
Police were able to obtain a description of a suspect seen leaving the building during the time of the fire and located the individual nearby.
The suspect has been charged with arson – disregard for human Life.
He is being held for a bail hearing, which is scheduled to take place on Monday.
Police credit the immediate response by Barrie Fire and Emergency Services for the quick detection and extinguishing of the fire, preventing what could have been a much worse outcome.
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
