Fire Reported on Kings Highway
FORT FRANCES, ON — The Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 15-year-old Fort Frances youth has been charged following an investigation into a break-and-enter and structural fire at a local business.
Police report that on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m. CST, Fort Frances OPP and Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services responded to a commercial alarm in the 1000 block of Kings Highway.
On arrival, officers observed smoke and flames coming from the building. The fire was extinguished, and OPP say there were no occupants inside and no injuries were reported.
Charges Laid
As a result of the investigation, the youth has been charged under the Criminal Code with:
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Arson — damage to property
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Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
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Break and enter
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Uttering threats — cause death or bodily harm
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Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
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Fail to comply with probation order
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Mischief — destroy or damage property
The accused’s identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and will not be published.
Potential Penalties on Conviction
Because the accused is 15, any sentencing would proceed under the YCJA, which is distinct from adult sentencing and can involve different ranges and outcomes. However, the adult maximum penalties for the listed Criminal Code offences (if prosecuted by indictment) include:
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Arson — damage to property (s. 434): up to 14 years imprisonment
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Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (s. 88): up to 10 years imprisonment
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Break and enter (place other than a dwelling-house) (s. 348(1)(e)): up to 10 years imprisonment
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Uttering threats — death or bodily harm (s. 264.1(1)(a)): up to 5 years imprisonment
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Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (s. 355(b) tied to s. 354): up to 2 years imprisonment
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Fail to comply with probation order (s. 733.1): up to 4 years imprisonment
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Mischief — destroy/damage property (s. 430): up to 2 years if the property is not over $5,000 (and up to 10 years if over $5,000)
Court Date and Ongoing Investigation
The youth is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. OPP say the Fort Frances Crime Unit continues to investigate alongside the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Anyone With Information Asked to Call
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Fort Frances OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Police note tips may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.
The Last Word: Fort Frances arson and break-in: youth charged; details on Criminal Code offences and penalties.
