Cochrane RCMP are now investigating a fire that recently destroyed an abandoned home on Stoney Nakoda First Nation as a suspicious occurrence.
On Nov. 25, Cochrane RCMP and Exshaw Fire Department crews rushed to the scene after receiving a report of the fire from a neighbouring residence off of Branch Road.
The structure was a total loss despite the best efforts of fire crews to combat the blaze. No surrounding properties were damaged.
Results of the initial investigation point to suspicion and RCMP are now seeking the public's assistance with any information related to the incident, including identifying those responsible.
"In this particular investigation, the fire investigator utilized an accelerant detection dog and the dog did indicate that it was believed accelerant was used when that fire was lit," said Cochrane RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.
He noted that there was also some suspicious occurrences involving people in the area around the same time, including mischief to a vehicle.
"There's a few pieces of evidence that would lead us to believe this was intentionally set," he said.
Savinkoff added that the loss of the structure was an unfortunate circumstance even though no one was living in the home.
"Many of these homes are currently abandoned with the idea that the Nation is going to go back in and make them habitable and move families into them," he said. "So, even the loss of an abandoned home out in that community is a pretty big loss. It's a potential home for a family in need to go into and reside."
Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Cochrane RCMP at 403-932-2211 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
