Youth facing several charges after fire kills 3 dogs in Barrhaven
Posted Jun 10, 2026 03:07:34 PM.
Last Updated Jun 10, 2026 03:07:39 PM.
Three dogs killed in a basement fire in Barrhaven has led to Ottawa police laying numerous charges against a youth.
In a press release, officials said that the youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is facing serious offences including:
- Arson – disregard for human life
- Arson – causing property damage
- Possession of incendiary material for arson
- Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (x2)
- Killing/injuring animals (x3)
- Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal (x3)
The blaze broke out just before 3:22 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Multiple people called fire crews who went to Muirfield Gardens, a circle of five homes just off Cedarhill Drive in Nepean.
Firefighters said that when they arrived, they could see flames in the basement of the single-family home. Smoke was coming from the building, and another team was dispatched within minutes.
Crews brought a hose line into the house while another group searched the large building for people. Firefighters said they did not find any people inside the home. Ottawa police confirmed in a press release on Wednesday that one person was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
However, three dogs were killed in the fire, officers said.
Firefighters had the blaze under control by 4:19 p.m., and high-pressure fans were used to ventilate the house.
Ottawa police are conducting an investigation with the Ottawa Fire Services Investigator and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
The youth appeared in court to face the charges on Wednesday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 613-236-1222, extension 2202 or by email at arson@ottawapolice.ca
