Flames could be seen from the back side of a townhouse on Blanshard Street in Victoria, between Bay Street and Hillside Avenue during a fire on May 17, 2019.
The man who was arrested on Friday in connection with a fire at the Evergreen Terrace complex on May 17 has now been charged.
Murray Dale Sam is facing one count of intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire or explosion to property not owned in whole or in part by himself.
Sam is also facing an assault charge in connection with an alleged assault that same day.
On May 17, VicPD officers were called to the 2500-block of Blanshard Street for a report of a dispute at the townhouse complex. Police said when officers went into the suite to ensure everyone was safe, the interior was on fire and multiple residents were inside.
The officers got the residents out but were not able to put out the fire. Other officers evacuated the surrounding units as the fire did spread. Two officers were treated for smoke inhalation.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said six families and seven units (one unit was vacant) were evacuated in total. Two of the six families are able to return to their homes.
The other four families are being housed by Emergency Social Services in a hotel until May 24. Three units are being provided at Evergreen Terrace for three of the families and another unit is being provided at another location.
The Quadra Village Community Centre is collecting donations to support the families displaced by the fire and to provide essential items and furnishings for the families. More information can be found at: https://www.quadravillagecc.com/quadra-village-emergency-fund.
Sam will be back in court on Wednesday for a bail hearing.
CHEK News
