Mississauga Apartment Fires: 2 Charged, Madison Varga Wanted

Peel Regional Police have charged two people and are looking for a third after two related fires at a Mississauga apartment building on Sept. 20 and 21. Police are asking for help locating Madison Varga, 30, who has no fixed address.

Police said both fires were deliberately set in a third-floor hallway at a building near Lakeshore Road West and Southdown Road. Investigators believe the occupants of one unit were deliberately targeted in both incidents.

No significant injuries were reported, police said. The second fire prompted a large-scale evacuation that displaced several residents. Eighteen residents were taken to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, and damage was estimated at approximately $1 million.

Two people charged

Joshua Pedersen, 28, of no fixed address, was arrested in Hamilton on Oct. 15. He was charged with two counts each of arson with disregard for human life and mischief over $5,000, as well as break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of break-in instruments.

Morgan Murphy, 27, of Burlington, was arrested on Oct. 26 and charged with two counts each of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and arson with disregard for human life. Both accused were held in custody pending bail hearings before the Ontario Court of Justice.

Police seek Varga

Police said Varga is wanted in relation to the fires. She had blonde hair in a 2023 photograph released by police but has since changed her hair colour to brunette.

Anyone with information about Varga’s whereabouts or the investigation is asked to call the 11 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133.