CHARGES have been sworn against a woman in connection to the May 6 house fire in north Surrey.

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, a Surrey Police Service frontline officer was on patrol when they observed a house fire in a fourplex in the 10900-block of 132A Street.

Surrey Fire Service was called and while a neighbour tried to extinguish the flames with a garden hose, SPS officers quickly evacuated several residents from adjacent residences. As officers were searching the properties for additional residents who might be in danger and speaking with witnesses, a woman was detained and arrested as a suspect in connection with the fire.

Charges have now been sworn against 39-year-old Tina Marie Harper. Harper is charged with one count of arson in relation to inhabited property. Harper has been remanded and her next court appearance is scheduled for today (May 12).