A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection to the fire at the Simcoe Hotel in downtown Barrie, Monday morning.
On July 1 at 7:21 a.m., emergency crews responded to a report of a structure fire at the Five Points intersection.
Upon arrival at 31 Bayfield St., it was confirmed that a garbage dumpster, which was located on the northeast side of the building, was on fire, according to Barrie police.
Police allege the fire was intentionally set and a man had been seen walking away from the area shortly before the fire was detected.
The suspect, of no fixed address, was located a short distance away and was arrested for arson 23 minutes after the call was received.
He was transported to police headquarters on Fairview Road where the investigation continued.
The accused has been charged with arson (disregard for human life) and arson (damage to property).
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear today, by video, at the Barrie courthouse for a scheduled bail hearing.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
As a result of the fire, police say 29 residents who live in the upper apartments were evacuated and have been displaced until repairs and the necessary cleanup is completed.
