THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay man faces charges in connection with a house fire in a north-side neighbourhood on the weekend.
The blaze occurred early Saturday morning in the 200 block of Valley Street, and caused extensive damage to a bungalow.
Firefighters searched the house on arrival and determined no one was inside, but they rescued a family pet.
The cause of the fire was suspicious, so Thunder Bay Police began an immediate investigation.
Less than eight hours later, they arrested a male suspect.
Dennis Arthur Wawia, 46, is charged with arson–disregard for human life.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, this charge may be laid if:
-
(a) the person knows that, or is reckless with respect to whether, the property is inhabited or occupied; or
-
(b) the fire or explosion causes bodily harm to another person.
Wawia is also charged with arson – damage to property.
He appeared in bail court Monday and was released with conditions and a future court date.
