

Chris Herhalt, CP24.com





York Regional Police say three people have been charged with arson after a fire broke out at a Markham home last week that was allegedly used to produce cannabis byproducts, injuring three small children.

Emergency crews were called to the home on Douglas Haig Drive, in the McCowan Road and Steeles Avenue area, just before 5 p.m. on March 15.

Several witnesses at the scene told investigators that the house appeared to have exploded, before bursting into flames.

Others said several people could be seen running out of the home as the flames climbed and grew in size. Multiple homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution.

Police said a 30-year-old man suffered serious injuries in the blaze, while a 26-year-old woman, a three-year-old boy, a two-year-old girl and a three-month-old girl suffered minor injuries.

One of the first police officers to arrive at the scene, Const. Kynan Walper, required treatment for smoke inhalation after running into the home to search for its occupants.

Investigators allege the home contained a drug lab that was being used to extract THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, from the plant in a resin form. It’s a practice often used to create other types of drugs, police say.

Damage to the home and two adjacent homes is estimated at $1.5 million.

The parents of the three injured children, a 30-year-old Markham man and a 26-year-old Markham woman, have been charged in relation to the fire. Police are not naming them in order to protect the identity of their children.

Another suspect, 27-year-old Jian Jim Lin of Markham, has also been charged.

Together they face charges including three counts of arson causing damage to property, arson with disregard for human life, trafficking cannabis and producing cannabis.

The 30-year-old male suspect will appear in court in Newmarket on Thursday. The 26-year-old female suspect will appear in court in Newmarket on April 15. Lin will appear in court in Newmarket on April 26.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).