Winnipeg, MB – Residents in Winnipeg’s River-Osborne neighbourhood were disrupted Saturday afternoon after a fire broke out inside an apartment building on Clarke Street, prompting a police investigation and an arson arrest.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, officers responded to a residential fire in the 100 block of Clarke Street shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Members of the West District General Patrol assisted at the scene after being advised by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) that the fire was believed to be suspicious in nature.
Investigators determined the fire allegedly started inside an apartment unit, where furniture had been intentionally set ablaze. Police say the fire spread quickly, causing significant damage to the unit and creating a serious risk to other tenants in the building.
Officers located the suspect inside the apartment complex and took him into custody without incident.
Police identified the suspect as 52-year-old James Douglas Lysak of Winnipeg. According to police, Lysak has been charged with Arson With Disregard for Human Life and remains in custody.
No injuries were reported, but authorities emphasized that the situation posed a significant danger due to the rapid spread of the fire and the presence of multiple residents inside the building at the time.
The incident occurred in the River-Osborne area, a densely populated neighbourhood just south of downtown Winnipeg. Police have not released additional details about potential damage estimates or whether residents were temporarily displaced.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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