Police say a fire that followed a break-in at a hangar in northwestern Alberta is estimated to have caused millions of dollars worth of damage, and a man who they allege was trying to flee the scene has been charged with arson.
RCMP say the blaze northwest of Grande Prairie on August 29 was not at the city’s airport, but they say the hangar involved contained a small private helicopter as well as a motorhome.
They say that when they responded to the break-and-enter in progress on Range Road 63, the suspect saw police and attempted to steal a snowmobile.
When that failed, they say he attempted to run but was quickly arrested.
Police say while they were arresting the 55-year-old, the hangar burst into flames which ignited several volatile accelerants inside.
The fire was held under control and was eventually put out by the local fire department. Police say the suspect remains in custody facing charges of arson, possession of break-in tools, break & enter, and arson.
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