Inmate facing arson charges in South West Detention Centre fire

A 22-year-old man will face two arson-related charges in connection with a fire he is alleged to have started at the South West Detention Centre this week.

• Small fire causes $500 damage at South West Detention Centre

• Fire at South West Detention Centre jail highlights challenges for guards

Windsor police Const. Andrew Drouillard told CBC News in a telephone interview that investigators determined the fire at the jail on Tuesday was intentionally set by the accused, who is an inmate.

Drouillard said the charges the accused will face are:

• Arson – Disregard for human life
• Arson – Damage to property

Drouillard said the fire did not cause significant damage, but it was a dangerous situation.

"They had to remove this inmate from the cell and bring him to the hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation," he said.

"The surrounding two cells were also cleared as well ... just as a precaution, but nobody else had to go to the hospital."

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services had previously said the inmate started the fire.

Police have yet to determine how the fire was started.

Windsor Fire & Rescue said the fire is estimated to have caused about $500 in damage.