A first-year McMaster student has been charged by Hamilton police in connection with the Oct. 18 fire at Brandon Hall. The residence had to be evacuated in the early morning after smoke and fire alarms roused almost 600 sleepy students.
Emerson Pardoe, a 19-year-old resident of Brandon Hall, has been charged with arson endangering human life and arson endangering property. Four students were taken to the hospital to receive treatment for smoke inhalation.
“The fire was made much more shocking because it was deliberately set, and because a McMaster student has been charged in connection with the case,” Phil Wood, associate vice-president of Student Affairs and dean of students at the university told the McMaster Daily News.
Pardoe was taken into police custody on Monday. Looking distraught during the court proceedings, he was released into the custody of his parents for $50,000. He has been prohibited from any contact with McMaster staff or students and must remain with his parents in Scarborough.
Currently, McMaster is housing Brandon Hall students in various hotels while repairs are carried out. Students will be able to move back in January at the earliest.
