One woman jumped from a first floor window to escape the blaze on Friday and five others had to be rescued.
A further 10 people managed to escape the fire at the property on Highfield Road, Hemsworth by themselves.
Craig Yates, who lives locally, was remanded in custody by magistrates in Wakefield. He is due before Leeds Crown Court on 27 April.
A 32-year-old man has appeared in court charged with arson following a fire at a block of flats in West Yorkshire.