A Sarnia man is facing serious charges after being accused of deliberately setting his own house on fire.
On August 20 at 7 a.m., an off-duty Sarnia police officer called 911 after spotting a suspicious person near 1188 Echo Road.
Police said the officer saw flames coming from the garage.
It's alleged a man took off in a car, and the off-duty officer followed until it became unsafe to do so.
Sarnia Fire Rescue quickly responded and extinguished the fire, limiting damage to the home.
The fire department said the natural gas sensors were triggered upon entering the home, alerting them to a large natural gas buildup.
It's alleged a copper line that supplied natural gas to the gas fireplace had purposely been tampered with, and natural gas was spewing from the line.
Police said candles were placed throughout the home, set in locations that would meet the flow of natural gas.
Officers with the Criminal Investigations Division looked into the status of the mortgage, as well as the insurance particulars of the home.
As a result, 31-year-old Caleb Moore is charged with arson, mischief endangering life, common nuisance, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Police said Moore was held for a bail hearing and has been remanded into custody, with a pending court date on today's date.
