A 59-year-old Barrie woman is facing arson charges after a basement fire on Essa Road on May 21, 2026. Emergency crews were called just after 4 a.m. to a home between Burton Avenue and Innisfil Street, where two people inside got out without injury.
The Barrie Police Service says fire officials determined the blaze, which caused moderate damage to the basement, was intentionally set. Officers traced a vehicle seen at the scene to a nearby home on Loggers Run, where the woman answered the door with what appeared to be significant burn injuries to her hands.
She was arrested at 4:45 a.m., taken to hospital for treatment, and later held for a bail hearing. Police have charged her with arson causing damage to property and two counts of arson with disregard for human life.
Under Canada’s Criminal Code, arson showing disregard for human life can carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. The Barrie Police Criminal Investigation Unit is handling the case, and the Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified but is not attending the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Barrie Police.
