Woman charged with arson, attempted murder in major Overbrook apartment fire

UPDATE: On Feb. 5, 2024, Pamela Shillingford pleaded guilty to arson with disregard for human lifeand causing animalsunnecessary suffering. On July 24, 2024, the case was abated in the Ontario Court of Justice due to her death, court records show.

Ottawa police have charged a woman with arson offencesand attempted murder after an investigation into Tuesday evening's major fire in Overbrook,east of the city core.

Pamela Shillingford, 31, of Ottawa is charged with arson to property, arson endangering life and attempted murder. Shillingford appeared in court Wednesday afternoon, police said.

TheOntariofire marshal'soffice will assistin an examination of the fire scene over the next few days, according to the police arson unit.

Four people, including a child,had to be rescued from the apartment building onPresland Road near the Vanier Parkway.

The fire started in the top floor of the four-storey building and spread to the roof, Ottawa Fire Services' public information officer Nicholas DeFazio told CBC.

About 60 people are displaced, according to fire officials. The Overbrook Community Centre, located about two blocks north, has been opened to support them.

About 14 households, comprising 40 people, sought servicesat the receptioncentre Tuesday night, a spokesperson for the City of Ottawa said in an email statement to Radio-Canada.

The centreofferedaccommodations, first aid,food and clothing untilaround 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, the spokesperson said.

The Canadian Red Cross andthe Salvation Army are also helping.