A house fire on Saturday July 1st in the 1400 block of 8th Avenue East has been deemed arson.

Around 5:25 PM the Owen Sound Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and the Owen Sound Police attended the single family home at 1430 8th Avenue East. A 31 year-old woman was taken to the Grey Bruce Health Services by ambulance where she was treated for smoke inhalation. The house was significantly damaged. The fire was extinguished by the Owen Sound Fire Department.

As the result of an investigation conducted by the Ontario Fire Marshal and the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Owen Sound Police Service, it has been determined the fire was intentionally set and caused significant damage to the residence.

The 31 year old occupant of the residence has been charged with arson, cruelty to animals as four house cats perished in the fire and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on August 17, 2017.

source: media release, Owen Sound Police