An Ottawa man is in custody after a deadly Christmas Eve fire in a south-end high-rise apartment building.
The fire broke out in a second-floor apartment early Friday morning and quickly spread through the building.
A 57-year-old woman died in the blaze, and four others were sent to hospital. More than a dozen residents -- mostly seniors -- were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The fire at 1695 Playfair Ave. in the Alta Vista area left an estimated 30 people homeless on Christmas Eve, according to the Red Cross. However, all of the displaced residents have found temporary accommodation, mostly with family.
Ali Issaky, 23, has been charged with second degree murder and arson with disregard for human life. He was to appear in court Friday.
