A London woman is facing charges after a fire in the White Oaks neighbourhood led to a dramatic escape and displaced dozens of residents Sunday morning.
The blaze broke out around 10 a.m. in a fifth-floor unit at 1585 Ernest Ave., just north of Bradley Avenue. One person escaped by using a bedsheet to climb down to the unit below, said platoon Chief Colin Shewell.
Firefighters rescued a dog from the burning unit and two people – including one in a wheelchair – from a neighbouring apartment. One person was taken to hospital with unknown injuries.
As many as 50 people were displaced, though most were allowed to return to their units later in the day. The Carling Heights Optimist community centre was used as a temporary shelter.
“Fire crews were met with heavy smoke and fire, as well as one victim near the stairwell,” Shewell said. “This was a difficult fire to get to and knock down, but it was contained to one unit.”
Damage is estimated at $200,000. A video shared on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from one of the units in the building.
On Monday, police said in a statement that a 32-year-old woman has been charged with arson by negligence. She is scheduled to appear in London court July 9.
It was one of two apartment fires in London that day.
At 3 p.m., firefighters responded to a blaze at 632 Hale St., just south of Dundas Street, where they rescued two people from a balcony. One person was taken to hospital as a precaution. Other residents were told to shelter in place.