Woman charged with arson, attempted murder in major Overbrook apartment fire
Ottawa police have charged a woman with arson offences and attempted murder after an investigation into Tuesday evening's major fire in Overbrook, east of the city core.
Pamela Shillingford, 31, of Ottawa is charged with arson to property, arson endangering life and attempted murder. Shillingford appeared in court Wednesday afternoon, police said.
The Ontario fire marshal's office will assist in an examination of the fire scene over the next few days, according to the police arson unit.
Four people, including a child, had to be rescued from the apartment building on Presland Road near the Vanier Parkway.
The fire started in the top floor of the four-storey building and spread to the roof, Ottawa Fire Services' public information officer Nicholas DeFazio told CBC.
About 60 people are displaced, according to fire officials. The Overbrook Community Centre, located about two blocks north, has been opened to support them.
About 14 households, comprising 40 people, sought services at the reception centre Tuesday night, a spokesperson for the City of Ottawa said in an email statement to Radio-Canada.
The centre offered accommodations, first aid, food and clothing until around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, the spokesperson said.
The Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army are also helping.
