Youths charged with arson in band office, RCMP detachment fire...

Two youths, ages 12 and 15, have been charged with arson, break and enter to commit arson and mischief over $5,000, in the November fire that caused damage to the building that holds the Montreal Lake Cree Nation band office and the Montreal Lake RCMP Community detachment. Damage was limited to three of the band’s administrative offices on the second floor. Before the Waskesiu and Weyakain fire departments arrived, RCMP members used fire extinguishers to try and control the fire. As the fire continued to increase, the heat and smoke forced the members out of the area. Members then closed the doors and windows to cut off all sources of oxygen in the area to try and contain the fire. The Prince Albert Grand Council Fire Investigator, Office of Fire Commissioner’s Branch Fire Investigator and the Waskesiu RCMP conducted the investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Prince Albert Identification and Police Dogs Services from Meadow Lake also assisted.