Man charged in Richmond Hill house fire that led to explosion

A man that had been missing for several days has been arrested and charged in a fire and explosion that ultimately destroyed a home in Richmond Hill last week.

Fire crews in York Region were called to the home on Deerwood Crescent near Bloomington Road and Bathurst Street just before 1 p.m. on March 20.

Police initially reported no injuries, but the house sustained extensive damage and had to be demolished due to the fire spreading to an adjoining property.

York Regional Police said Daniel Popov was seen leaving his home at 12:50 p.m., around the same time the explosion and subsequent fire occurred. Investigators said Popov was observed in a white vehicle and was not seen again for several days.

Police believe he was the only person at the residence when the fire broke out.

On March 23, officers conducted a search warrant at the site of the house fire, which took several days. On Friday, police said Popov was located in the Town of Georgina and was taken to a local hospital. It’s unclear what injuries he sustained.

On Saturday, police said Popov was charged with arson, disregarding human life, mischief to property over $5,000 and breaching probation. He was held for a bail hearing and was scheduled to appear in court today.

With files from Patricia D’Cunha of CityNews