A London man is facing arson charges after an apartment fire near downtown that destroyed one unit and injured a firefighter.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at 241 Simcoe St. around 11:50 p.m. on Saturday. When firefighters arrived on scene they found flames and thick smoke coming from a 12th floor unit. A resident, trapped on the balcony of the apartment, had to be rescued.
That individual was taken to hospital with minor injuries. A firefighter was also treated for burns.
The blaze, which caused an estimated $140,000 damage, was deemed suspicious in nature. On Monday, police announced charges had been laid against a 41-year-old man.
David P. Rikhtegarzadeh is charged with arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard for human life. He is scheduled to appear in court in relation to the charges on February 24.