Cold Lake RCMP is investigating what they consider to be a suspicious church fire in the Hamlet of Cherry Grove on April 28th. According to officials, firefighters from Cold Lake, Bonnyville, La Corey, and Iron River responded to the reports of the fire early in the morning.
Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Regional Fire Chief Dan Heney the church was a complete loss with the fire breaking through the roof of the structure. He adds the RCMP members on the scene found a second fire at the Cherry Grove Canada Post office, which officers were able to put out before it could do ‘significant damage.” Early into the investigation, both fires are considered suspicious.
“We found some evidence on site that makes the fire very suspicious,” Heney says. “And the way the fire was acting also indicates it’s suspicious.” He adds This the loss of the church is devastating for the community, especially knowing that it is possible both fires were set deliberately.
RCMP is asking anyone in Cherry Grove who has information regarding the fire or possibly has surveillance of 50th Street between 50th Avenue and Pine Street to contact RCMP or Crime stoppers.