Winnipeg woman charged after apartment fire causes $1 million in damage

Winnipeg police say a 40-year-old woman has been charged with two arson offences after a fire at an apartment complex in the 200 block of Young Street on Nov. 12, 2026, caused an estimated $1 million in property damage. No injuries were reported.

Central District General Patrol officers were sent to the complex just before 1:30 p.m. in response to a call to check on someone’s well-being, police said. On arrival, the officers saw a fire burning. Police said they helped the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service evacuate tenants from the building. The fire was extinguished.

Investigation and charges

The Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation into the fire, police said. Investigators allege that the person who set the fire did so in their suite, barricaded the suite door and fled through a window.

Police said the person was later found at a residence in the 600 block of Selkirk Avenue. Officers arrested the person without incident.

Grace Emma Kaludjak, 40, has been charged with arson with disregard for human life and arson causing damage to property, police said. She was detained in custody.

Police released details of the fire and the charges on Nov. 13, the day after officers responded to the apartment complex.