UPDATE: Grande Prairie RCMP have issue a public call for help finding the arson suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment or Crime Stoppers.
Firefighters have been called to Block 4 of Courtyards apartments two nights in a row for a false alarm and a deliberately set fire. On Monday, August 28, the fire alarm was pulled and two people were seen running away. There was no fire.
On Tuesday, the fire alarm went off around 9:45 p.m. When the Grande Prairie Fire Department arrived, residents were evacuating and a small fire was found on the bottom floor of the north stairwell. An initial investigation has determined that the fire was set on purpose.
“It is a criminal offense to activate a fire alarm system without reasonable cause and arson is a serious
crime,” says platoon chief Tony Lutzmann. “[Tuesday night’s] incident could have had serious consequences if the fire had spread.”
Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact RCMP. Lutzmann also commends those who left the building the alarm went off.
“This fire highlights the importance of always evacuating the building when the fire alarm sounds. Early
warning and evacuation offer your best chance to safely escape a fire in progress in an apartment
building.”
Damages are pegged at less than $1,000. An investigation into both nights is underway.