Arson charges have been laid against a 28-year-old London man after a townhouse fire that displaced a family of three in the city's Glen Cairn neighbourhood.
Firefighters were called to 99 Kimberley Ave., west of Pond Mills Road at around 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday. When fire crews arrived, the townhouse was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke pouring into the night air.
The residents of the home escaped without injury, although one was assessed by paramedics for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were able to contain the spread of the blaze and quickly brought it under control. They remained on scene overnight dousing hot spots.
Damage is estimated at $300,000.
The fire was deemed suspicious, prompting an investigation by the London police street crime unit and the Ontario Fire Marshal. As a result of that probe, 28-year-old Neville Ricardo Morgan of London was arrested. He is charged with arson with disregard for human life.
Morgan is scheduled to appear in London court in relation to the charge on Wednesday.
The investigation is ongoing.