FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Stormont Fire Services Acknowledges Charges Laid Following Finch Fire Investigation
NORTH STORMONT, ON, 30 July 2026 – North Stormont Fire Services acknowledges the information released by the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), regarding the investigation into the suspicious residential fire that occurred on Church Street in Finch on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Shortly after 12:15 a.m., North Stormont Fire Services responded to the fire, with firefighters from Finch Station arriving first on scene and firefighters from Crysler Station providing additional support with fire suppression and scene operations. The SD&G OPP also responded, and due to the suspicious nature of the incident, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) was engaged to assist with the investigation.
No injuries were reported to residents or responding firefighters. The Canadian Red Cross was contacted to provide emergency assistance and support to the residents affected by the fire.
According to information released by the SD&G OPP, two individuals have now been charged in connection with the fire following a joint investigation involving the SD&G OPP, the Office of the Fire Marshal and other policing partners. The OPP has also advised that the investigation resulted in charges related to the theft of a motor vehicle reported in North Stormont Township on July 14, 2026. The accused were located and arrested in Nova Scotia with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), before being returned to Ontario to face the outstanding charges.
North Stormont Fire Services extends its sincere appreciation to the firefighters from the Finch and Crysler stations for their professionalism and dedication during the response. The department also thanks the SD&G OPP, the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Canadian Red Cross, the RCMP, and all responding agencies whose coordinated efforts contributed to the emergency response and subsequent investigation.
"As firefighters, our first priority is protecting lives and property," said North Stormont Fire Chief Nancy-Ann Gauthier "We are grateful for the professionalism demonstrated by our volunteer firefighters and for the collaborative efforts of our policing and emergency response partners throughout this incident."
As the investigation remains under the direction of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP, North Stormont Fire Services will not be providing further comment on investigative matters. Any questions regarding the investigation, charges, or court proceedings should be directed to the SD&G OPP.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online through Ontario Crime Stoppers, as outlined in the OPP's public release.