Man charged after two fires, fire department vehicle stolen in Cardinal, Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police say a fire at a home on Adelaide Street in Cardinal was one of two fires in the eastern Ontario community Tuesday morning. (OPP/X)

A 40-year-old Cardinal, Ont. man is facing charges in connection with two fires, including at a fire station, and the theft of a fire pick-up truck in eastern Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to a call for a house fire on Adelaide Street in Cardinal at approximately 4 a.m. on Tuesday.

The home was gutted in the blaze.

Police say one of the fire department’s pick-up trucks was stolen from the fire scene.

“It was involved in a collision with another vehicle on County Road 2 and then fled,” police said.

“There were no injuries, but the other vehicle sustained heavy damage.”

A second fire was reported a short time later at the fire hall on Dishaw Street.

“A male was seen running away,” police said.

“Officers located the stolen truck near the second fire scene and one person was taken into custody.”

The suspect is facing charges of arson, assault with a weapon, dangerous operation, operation while impaired, failure to stop after an accident, theft of a vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Cardinal is located 17 km east of Prescott and 80 kilometres south of downtown Ottawa.