Man facing arson charge after Coldstream house fire

A man has been charged with arson in connection with a recent fire that destroyed a home in Coldstream.

The fire at a residence on Hawthorne Place, north of Buchanan Road, broke out Friday, Jan. 14 around 7:00 p.m.

Police evacuated neighbouring residences as members of the Coldstream Fire Department prevented the massive fire from spreading to nearby homes.

The structure was completely destroyed, with police saying all the expected occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported at the time.

“Early findings indicated the fire to be suspicious and information collected as the investigation progressed led police to believe it was deliberately set,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer. “Later that evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m., police arrested a suspect in relation to the fire.”

Matthew Eric Mason, 38, appeared in court by way of a tele-hearing on Jan. 15 and was charged with one count of arson with disregard for human life and one count of failing to comply with a release order.

Mason was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Jan. 20.

“As the matter is now before the court, no additional information will be released,” Terleski stated.