A Windsor judge has ruled in favour of a serious personal injury offence application (SPIO.)
Justice Greg Verbeem approved the crown's application against 38-year-old Patrick Warren.
Warren is charged with arson in connection with a blaze at the former Pour House restaurant in downtown Windsor last February.
In December, crown attorney Brian Manarin argued arson as a serious personal injury offence.
At that time, he said the inherent risk of starting a fire makes the crime a serious offence.
The fire broke on February 12, 2017 and caused $75,000 in damages.
Windsor Fire crews attend the scene of a fire at the former Pour House pub on Chatham St W (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel
The fire started in a small garbage shed behind the building and investigators determined it was intentionally set.
Warren has pleaded not guilty.
With the SPIO application ruling, Warren could be considered a dangerous offender.
It's the first time in Ontario a judge has included arson as a serious offense.
The trial continues on Friday.