On January 15, 2026, the Chatham-Kent Police Service, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue and Medavie EMS were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 83 Talbot Street East in Blenheim.
The multi-dwelling structure was occupied at the time of the fire and all residents were safely evacuated. While fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, Chatham-Kent Police began an investigation into the incident. Almost immediately, the circumstances surrounding the fire were believed to be suspicious and a suspect responsible for setting the fire was identified as a 42-year-old woman from Blenheim.
As a result of the investigation, the accused was arrested and charged with:
- Arson – Disregard for Human Life
The woman was transported to Chatham-Kent Police Service Headquarters, where she was remanded into custody with a scheduled court date of January 19, 2026.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service Major Crime Unit continues to work with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue as the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Ashwin Roy at ashwinr@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 ext. 80423. Information can also be provided anonymously through Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers at ckcrime@chatham-kent.ca or 1-888-222-8477.