A man has been charged in connection with a series of deliberately set fires in central Edmonton. On Aug. 19 between 9 and 10 p.m., fires were set at an apartment building in the area of 83 Street and 117 Avenue and at two houses in the area of 81 Street and 115 Avenue. No injuries were reported but police say the fires posed significant threats to nearby homes and damaged fencing and a tree. Investigators identified a suspect through security video and arrested a man the same evening in the area of Fort Road and 116 Avenue. On Aug. 20, a 25-year-old man was charged with arson with disregard for human life and four counts of arson causing property damage. “When a fire is intentionally set, the potential for harm can extend well beyond the property involved,” Acting Insp. Eric Stewart said. “I want to recognize the efforts of our investigators, patrol officers, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, whose teamwork and dedication were instrumental in advancing this investigation and identifying the person responsible.” As of May 2026 the Edmonton Police Service had investigated 146 suspicious fires.
