Trending Topics

Woman faces arson charge in blaze that hurt Toronto firefighter

An investigation revealed the building had numerous fire code violations

By FireRescue1 Staff

TORONTO — A 72-year-old woman is facing arson and negligence charges after an Oct. 11 blaze left a firefighter seriously injured.

Officials said firefighters who first entered the burning building encountered very high heat, causing one firefighter to lose consciousness. A mayday call was declared by the crew’s captain and they evacuated the structure.

The firefighter sustained serious but non life-threatening injures. Two residents were also treated for smoke inhalation.

Larry Cocco, the division chief of fire investigations for the Toronto Fire Service, told CBC the building had a slew of fire code violations.

“I can’t get into details on those violations because the investigation is ongoing, but the violations were significant and had an impact on the spread of the fire,” Cocco said.

The department intends to finish its investigation within the next week.

The woman is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 29.