A 34-year-old man is in police custody Friday after he allegedly started a fire Thursday evening that sent one to hospital and left four others to be rescued by firefighters.

Emergency crews were called to a three-storey apartment block in the 200 block of Fountain Avenue just before 5 p.m.

When firefighters arrived four people were leaning out of windows. Crews used ladders to rescue them. Upon entering the building to fight the fire, firefighters found a male who was unconscious. He was transported to hospital in critical condition due to smoke inhalation. 

Police say a 34-year-old male who is a resident of the building has been arrested and charged with possession of incendiary material, arson with disregard for human life, arson causing damage to property.

5rescue