Alberta RCMP Forestry Crimes Unit lay charges related to a wildfire

May 12, 2022
Sexsmith, Alberta

News release

After a lengthy investigation, in partnership with Alberta Wildfire investigators, the Alberta RCMP Forestry Crimes Unit has laid charges relating to a wildfire, which occurred on July 15, 2021, just north of Sexsmith.

On July 10, 2021, a fleet vehicle was stolen from the Alberta Wildfire compound in Peace River, Alta. On July 15, 2021, this vehicle was used to transport stolen radiators to a lease site just north of Sexsmith. The radiators were stripped to remove copper parts, and during their disassembly, cutting tools sparked a 1.9-hectare wildfire. The Saddle Hills County Volunteer Fire Department and Alberta Wildfire crews responded and extinguished the wildfire. The stolen vehicle was then used to transport and sell the stolen, stripped copper radiators at a scrap metal yard in Grande Prairie, Alta.

On April 30, 2022, a 38-year-old individual of Peace River was arrested by Peace River RCMP and the Alberta RCMP Forestry Crimes Unit. The individual has been charged with the following offences:

  • Mischief over $5000
  • Possession of stolen property (x2)

The individual was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on June 1, 2022.

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Contact information

Alberta RCMP Media Relations
780-509-3970

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