In the most recent event, Southwest Division patrol officers responded to an area north of the Anthony Henday near 111 Street yesterday, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, after receiving several 911 calls from concerned citizens.
It was reported to police that three male suspects on bicycles had started a fire in a grassy area bordering the trees in a nearby ravine. Upon arrival, officers located and arrested two youths on scene. A third suspect turned himself into police later Wednesday evening.
Edmonton firefighters also responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.
“We’ve all just witnessed the incredible devastation and threat to life that a fire can cause given the extremely dry conditions out there right now,” said Southwest Insp. Erik Johnson. “Surely, no one should need to be reminded, after seeing those frightening images from Fort McMurray last week.
“I want to be clear. Anyone caught endangering the lives of our city’s residents with this type of irresponsible behaviour will be prosecuted to the maximum allowed under the law.”
The two youths are also facing charges in connection with an arson that occurred near the Century Park LRT on Tuesday, May 10th. It was reported that two males set fire to a grassy area behind the Century Park LRT Station. Citizens in the area were able to successfully extinguish that fire.
The two teenagers, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been each charged with arson (x2) and possession of incendiary devices (x2). The third youth, who was not involved, was not charged.
Two Edmonton youths are facing arson-related charges in connection with a pair of grass fires that are alleged to have been deliberately set over the last week in southwest Edmonton.