Arson charges laid after separate suspicious fires hit new Oro‑Medonte subdivision

Charges relate to several suspicious fires that broke out at a new subdivision in Oro Medonte Twp.

A new subdivision in Oro-Medonte became the focus of a police investigation earlier this year after two suspicious fires broke out just weeks apart, and now, two people are facing arson charges.

On Jan. 20 and Feb. 10, crews were called to two separate residential fires in a developing neighbourhood off Bass Lake Side Road.

• RELATED: Early-morning house fire in Oro-Medonte destroys two unoccupied homes in new development

While both incidents raised concern, firefighters were able to contain the blazes quickly, and no injuries were reported.

The affected properties are believed to be valued at over $1 million.

Orillia OPP, working with local fire services and the OPP Major Crime Unit, launched a lengthy investigation that led to two arrests.

• RELATED: Fire erupts again at home in new Oro-Medonte development, $1.5M estimated in damages

A 40-year-old of Kitchener and a 22-year-old of Brampton have each been charged with two counts of arson causing damage to property.

Police say both accused were held for bail hearings and remain in custody.