Woman arrested after suspicious early-morning fire: Police

A home on Essa Road, the location of an alleged suspicious fire on Thurs., May 21, 2026. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

A woman, 59, is facing arson-related charges after a suspicious fire allegedly broke out at a home on a major Barrie road.

Police say emergency crews responded to reports of a structure fire in the basement of a home on Essa Road between Burton Avenue and Innisfil Street Thursday just past 4 a.m.

Five firetrucks arrived on scene and were able to put out the blaze in under 10 minutes, according to Fire Chief Justin Gilbert.

The two people inside were able to escape without injuries, but the basement had some damage, fire crews believe is worth $25,000.

The home had working smoke alarms.

Police say an officer noticed a vehicle outside the home at the time of the fire and found the person it belonged to. The cop went to a home at Essa Road and Loggers Run and a woman answered the door who allegedly looked to have burn injuries on her hands.

Authorities took the woman into custody at roughly 4:45 a.m. and transported her to a nearby hospital to receive medical treatment.

After being released from the hospital, police brought her back to police headquarters where she was held for a bail hearing.

She is facing charges of arson including damage to property and two counts of disregard for human life.

The investigation continues.