1 arrested after vacant church in Oakville allegedly intentionally set ablaze: police

A male is in police custody after allegedly intentionally setting a vacant church in Oakville on fire late Monday morning.

The incident happened at the site of the former Generations Church of the Nazarene at 320 Bronte Rd. at Bridge Road, just north of Rebecca Street. This property was sold and is slated for redevelopment.

Oakville Fire said they were called to that area shortly after 11:30 a.m.

Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) also attended the scene.

It took crews roughly three hours to douse the fire, which caused extensive damage to the building’s roof. Damage estimates are not known at this time. 

The former Generations Church of the Nazarene at 320 Bronte Rd. at Bridge Road, just north of Rebecca Street, was heavily damaged in a Jan. 6 fire. (David Ritchie/CTV News Toronto)

According to Oakville Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault, witnesses indicated that at least one person was seen leaving the vacant building shortly before the fire, which he said is considered suspicious.

That information was shared with authorities and an unidentified male suspect was “located swiftly” by police a few blocks from the fire scene, he said, adding that he remains in custody at this time pending an investigation and the suspicion of arson. Police have not yet announced what charges the person who was arrested may be facing.

No injuries were reported to the public or any emergency personnel on scene.

At this time, firefighters are still on scene monitoring for any hot spots, Boissonneault noted.

Police are also on hand for scene control, he added.

Fire investigators have also been called in along with the Office of the Fire Marshall, which has been notified that there is the suspicion of arson in regards to this fire.

Bronte Road was closed in both directions but has since re-opened.