Heavy smoke from a large fire engulfs a vacant building that caught fire at 10 Centre St. August 3, 2021. (Photo by Craig Needles, Blackburn News)Heavy smoke from a large fire engulfs a vacant building that caught fire at 10 Centre St. August 3, 2021. (Photo by Craig Needles, Blackburn News)
London

19-year-old charged with arson in two separate London fires

Arson charges have now been laid against a 19-year-old in connection with two separate fires earlier this month that caused a combined $120,000 damage.

The first blaze happened around 6:30 p.m. on August 3 at a vacant industrial building at 10 Centre Street. Thick smoke, considered to be toxic, filled the air and prompted city officials to send out an emergency alert to nearly 6,000 nearby residents advising them to stay indoors, close all windows and switch off air conditioning units.

No one was hurt in the fire and damage was estimated at $100,000.

The charred remains of the building, which had previously been slated for demolition, were levelled the following day.

The second blaze broke out on Monday in a shed in the area of Beattie Street and South Routledge Road in Lambeth.

It caused roughly $20,000 damage. No injuries were reported.

Carter Girling, 19, of London is charged with two counts of arson causing damage to property. He made his first appearance in London court in relation to the charges on Tuesday.

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