A 37-year-old man from North Bay has been charged with arson in connection with a fire police believe was intentionally set earlier this week that caused more than $5,000 in damage. Early morning on Sept. 28, North Bay Fire and Emergency Services asked for help from city police after dealing with a suspicious fire in the 1300 block of Algonquin Avenue. “The fire is alleged to have been intentionally set, resulting in more than $5,000 in property damage, impacting two businesses,” North Bay police said in a news release Sept. 30. “Through the course of the investigation, the accused was identified and arrested at approximately 11 p.m. on Sept. 28, in the area of Maplewood Avenue.” Quick action by firefighters Acting deputy chief Jeff Warner praised the quick response by firefighters. “North Bay Fire arrived quickly, extinguishing the fire and preventing further damage,” Warner said in the release. “They also immediately recognized the nature of this incident, giving us the opportunity to act quickly … Once the investigation started, our patrol section worked quickly with members of the community to identify the accused and make an arrest. This is a great example of our emergency services and community working together.” The accused has been charged with arson causing damage to property and failing to comply with a release order. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
