Owner Faces Charges in Fire that Injured Toronto Firefighter

The owner of an unlicensed rooming house where a Toronto firefighter was seriously injured is facing multiple charges.

The 72-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of arson by negligence, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, mischief endangering life and mischief under $5,000, according to CBC.

Larry Cocco, division chief of Toronto Fire Investigations, told CBC that the owner was convicted of eight fire code violations last year.

"I can't get into details on those violations because the investigation is ongoing, but the violations were significant and had an impact on the spread of the fire," Cocco said.

Firefighters were told that residents were still inside the building when they arrived on Oct. 11.

During search efforts, a firefighter was overcome and lost consciousness.

A mayday was called and the unconscious firefighter was removed through the window to an aerial ladder. 

He was listed in serious condition when he was transported to the hospital. 

The owner is due in court Nov. 29.