Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: Chatham-Kent police have arrested a 35-year-old Chatham woman in connection with a suspicious fire that broke out July 14, 2026, at a vacant residence on Park Street.
Emergency services responded to multiple reports of a structure fire in the 100 block of Park Street at approximately 6:33 a.m. that day, with Chatham-Kent police, fire department personnel and EMS all attending the scene.
Police say the fire began at the rear of the vacant residence and quickly spread to two neighbouring properties. One of those homes was occupied at the time by four residents who were asleep when the fire spread to their house. All four were able to evacuate safely without injury.
As part of the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance video that captured a woman on the property before the fire, including in the area where it’s believed to have started. Additional footage showed the same individual on the property earlier that morning.
The investigation was conducted in partnership with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, which determined the fire had been intentionally set.
Through a review of surveillance footage, witness statements and further investigation, police identified a suspect, linking her to clothing and personal property seen in video recorded on multiple occasions.
On July 16, 2026, police located and arrested the 35-year-old woman. Officers recovered several items believed to be relevant to the investigation at the time of her arrest.
She has been charged with arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard for human life, and was held for a bail hearing.
Police credited community members who provided video surveillance and information for significantly contributing to the investigation, along with the support of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police at 519-352-1234, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
