Firefighters battle a fire at a three-storey walk-up on King Edward Avenue, April 21, 2021. Photo from the London Fire Department. Firefighters battle a fire at a three-storey walk-up on King Edward Avenue, April 21, 2021. Photo from the London Fire Department.
London

Arson charge laid in apartment fire that trapped tenant

Just over three weeks after London firefighters had to rescue a person from a burning apartment building on King Edward Avenue, arson charges have been laid.

The fire broke out at the three-storey walk-up near Thompson Road just after 4:30 p.m. on April 21. Smoke could be seen coming from a lower level apartment when fire crews arrived. A person with mobility issues was trapped in the building. They were taken to hospital in serious condition after being rescued by firefighters.

The fire caused significant damage to the first floor of the building. It was deemed suspicious the following day.

On Monday, London police announced a 61-year-old man had been arrested in relation to the blaze. Atilla Leo Herczegh of London is charged with arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard to human life.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on August 3.

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