Man charged in Songhees Nation arson

A 49-year-old man has been charged with arson in connection with a fire that destroyed his common-law partner’s manufactured home and a neighbouring home on the Songhees Nation last week.

Fire broke out about 11 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the home on Middle Road.

The woman in the home where the fire started was roused by her smoke alarm and escaped through the kitchen window. The fire spread to a neighbouring home, where four people escaped uninjured.

West Shore RCMP Cpl. Chris Dovel said the man charged in the incident is the common-law partner of the female resident.

“West Shore RCMP serious crime unit are leading this arson investigation,” Dovell said in a statement. “Fortunately, there was no loss of life resulting from this devastating fire.”

Jorden Bridger, who was with his grandmother and her husband in the neighbouring home, said the fire destroyed everything they own.

Gary Lee Nelms was arrested by West Shore RCMP on Friday and is charged with uttering threats and arson with disregard for human life. He was held in custody until a court appearance in Western Communities courthouse Monday. Nelms will remain in custody until another court date on Thursday.

Investigators are still looking for more details from witnesses and are encouraging anyone with information to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.