Hours after a family's home went up in flames, police laid arson charges on a 55-year-old woman that they say is related to the homeowner. Media reports say she is the homeowner's wife, but police would not confirm that with CTV Ottawa.
A representative from Ottawa's arson unit said he couldn't specifically comment on the relationship between Catherine Brims, who was charged Sunday afternoon with arson endangering life, and the people living at 1035 Castle Hill Cres.
"She is related to the homeowner but wasn’t residing in the home," Sgt. David Christie told CTV Ottawa.
Firefighters responded to a call at 10:47 p.m. to the house fire, which is just off of Clyde Avenue and somewhat north of Baseline Road.
They say the fire likely started in the garage and spread to the rest of the house, with most of the $50,000 in damage remaining in the garage.
The family inside escaped without injury, police said. The fire remains under investigation by the Ottawa police's arson unit.
