2 people charged with arson after North Battleford apartment fire that sent 23 to hospital

Two North Battleford residents have been charged with arson with disregard for human life following an apartment fire Monday that sentalmost two dozen people to hospital, Saskatchewan RCMP say.

Emergency crewsrushed to the scene just before 1:30 a.m., as fire engulfed a building on the 1400 block of 102nd Street.

The building was evacuated and17 residents weretaken to hospital, along with six emergency responders. They have all since beenreleased, the City of NorthBattleford said in a Wednesday news release.

On Thursday, RCMP said arson chargeshavelaid against a22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman.

"I would like to thank our investigators, as well as the North Battleford Fire Service and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, for quickly and thoroughly working through this investigation, enabling us to lay charges and arrest these individuals," Staff Sgt. Jason Teniuksaid in anews release.

"I also want to thank all the emergency personnel who worked bravely, calmly and diligently at a dangerous scene to ensure all residents of this apartment complex were able to escape."

Both people charged are scheduled to make their first appearancein provincial court this week.

North Battleford RCMP said the Red Cross is helping people who were displaced by the fire.