City police have arrested and charged a 37-year-old North Bay man after a Saturday morning house fire, that was termed "suspicious" by Fire Chief Jason Whiteley.
Christopher John Amyotte is charged with "arson – damage to property."
On Saturday, October 15, police and fire personnel responded to a house fire in the area of Fraser Street and Chippewa Street West.
A search of the building by North Bay Fire and Emergency Services found no one present at the time of the fire.
Police arrested the accused later the same day.
See: 'Suspicious' fire destroys Fraser Street home
The accused was released on an undertaking and is set to appear before the court on November 15.
Witnesses say no one was in the home at the time of the fire which was called in by neighbours across the street, however, a cat did perish. That call came in around 3:18 a.m. Saturday morning.
The main floor of the building was completely destroyed by the flames and witnesses say firefighters worked hard to battle the fire as it made its way up into the attic which also sustained significant damage.
"Upon arrival fire crews were faced with heavy fire involvement throughout the structure," said Whiteley. "Fire crews had to attack the fire from the exterior, before being able to perform two searches of the house to ensure there was nobody inside."
Whiteley adds that the structure has sustained heavy damage estimated at $250,000.
