EDMONTON, AB – A wave of concern has swept over Alberta, Canada, as two churches were recently destroyed in fires believed to be acts of arson. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Barrhead Fire Services have been brought into action to investigate these incidents that have left the local community in shock and distress.
The first of these fires was reported at The Glenreagh Church, located on Range Road 40. The RCMP were alerted to the emergency at 7:52 p.m. on December 7. Less than two hours later, at 9 p.m., a second fire was reported at The United Church on Range Road 54. The quick response from the local fire services ensured that the fires were promptly extinguished, preventing any injuries. However, the severity of the fires resulted in extensive damage to both churches, leaving little more than charred remains.
Preliminary investigations by the fire examiner suggest that these fires were not accidental. The evidence collected so far points towards the fires being deliberately set, a finding that has sent ripples of unease throughout the community. A potential lead in the case is an older model two-tonne truck that was spotted at The Glenreagh Church around the time of the fire. This vehicle is suspected of being linked to the fires, but no suspects have been identified.
The affected churches are located in the town of Barrhead, which is situated approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Edmonton. This rural community, known for its tranquility and close-knit populace, has been left in disbelief and sorrow following these incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward. They are encouraged to contact the Barrhead RCMP at 780-674-4848 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
These incidents are part of a worrying trend of church burnings that have been occurring across Canada since 2021, many of which remain unsolved. The increase in church fires began after the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation reported the discovery of potential burial sites of 215 children at a former residential school in Kamloops in May 2021. This revelation sparked a wave of outrage and grief across the nation, leading to a disturbing increase in church fires.
While some of these fires have been linked to protests against the horrific legacy of residential schools, others appear to be random acts of destruction. The recent fires in Barrhead have not been linked to any specific motive or group. As the RCMP and Barrhead Fire Services continue their investigations, the local community and the nation wait for answers, hoping for justice and an end to these destructive acts.