LAC LA BICHE - RCMP and fire officials are hoping the public can offer information regarding a house fire that occurred this fall, and has now been classified as arson.
On Sept. 14, 2020 at approximately 4:30, a.m., Lac La Biche RCMP members spotted flames coming from a small house directly north of the UFA gas bar on Hwy 36 at the south entrance to the hamlet of Lac La Biche. Police arriving at the scene called the Lac La Biche Fire Department and determined that no one was inside the building.
The home had been vacant for several years, as the owner has moved away from the community. But police say the property is known to them as it had housed some transients from time to time.
Despite a quick response, the house was fully engulfed in flames when local firefighters arrived. The early morning fire destroyed the building.
"The residence sustained significant damage and a fire investigator assisted to assess the cause," RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Ron Bumbry told Lakeland This Week. "This fire has been deemed an arson and police are looking for any information for those involved."
Police and municipal officials are hoping someone might remember details about the fire to help with the ongoing investigation.
RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact the Lac La Biche RCMP Detachment at 780-404-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
There was no damage estimate given.