SHESHEGWANING—A local man has been charged with arson after a serious fire that took place on the Sheshegwaning First Nation. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze that was doused by the Sheshegwaning Volunteer Fire Department.
On Monday, November 18 at approximately 7 pm, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service (UCCM APS) responded to a house fire call at 20 Spruce Street in Sheshegwaning.
Heather Debassige, administrative sergeant with UCCM APS explained that emergency dispatch called police, informing them that neighbours reported a male pouring gasoline on a house and setting it on fire. Upon arrival on scene, the Sheshegwaning Fire Department observed a male fleeing the area.
Nick Bush, Sheshegwaning fire chief, told The Expositor that the house set on blaze was significantly damaged. The person who was inside the house was able to get out and was uninjured and the accused left the scene just as firefighters pulled up to the home. He pointed out an eyewitness saw the accused pour the gasoline on the house.
“Part of our firefighting team had to open up the roof on the house, to get into the attic which was still smouldering when we arrived,” said Fire Chief Bush.
The accused fled the area and was later located in a nearby residence where he gained entry and awoke the resident living in the home. Police were called and arrested a male inside the nearby residence without incident or injury.
As a result of the fire on November 18, the accused male, Matthew Wabegijik, has been charged with arson, damage to property and being unlawfully in a dwelling.
The accused has been held for bail awaiting a court appearance.
Administrative Sergeant Debassige told The Expositor no one was injured in the house fire, occupied by one individual, however, the home the fire took place sustained significant damage.
If anyone has further information regarding this incident, they are being asked to please contact either UCCM Police at 705-377-7135, or Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477)/1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or submit an online tip at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
Fire Chief Bush said this was the second fire the fire department had to respond to during the week, with a separate fire taking place at 57 Wabegjik Street in Sheshegwaning on Friday, November 16. The firefighters cleared the home of the occupants. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze.
