Man charged in Christmas Day fire in Prince Rupert, B.C.
RCMP say an investigation determined that the fire was deliberately set
RCMP say a suspect has been charged in connection with a Christmas Day fire in Prince Rupert, B.C.
An early-morning blaze forced nearly 100 residents of an apartment block on Sherbrooke Avenue out of their homes on Dec. 25, according to the city.
RCMP said Friday that an investigation determined that the fire was deliberately set.
Police say 30-year-old Garon Michael Dennis Weir has been charged with arson with disregard for human life.
Weir remains in custody.
The city previously said displaced residents were relocated to nearby hotels and received emergency support services.
Staff Sgt. Jagdev Uppal of the Prince Rupert RCMP thanked residents of the city, located about 500 kilometres due west of Prince George, for their response to the fire.
"The people of Prince Rupert came together to assist the 100 occupants who were displaced because of the senseless act of one individual who ruined the holiday season for many," Uppal said.
A woman who was forced from her home by the same fire suffered a fall on Dec. 27 in the hotel room to which she had relocated and died days later in hospital.