A quick response from Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services likely saved a far more serious fire event early Tuesday morning after a vehicle parked outside a Main Street automotive business was set on fire.
A local man walking his dog just before five that morning spotted the flames and called the business owners and 911. The flames had already engulfed much of a newer model half-ton truck that had been parked in a line of vehicles in the front yard of the downtown Lac La Biche business.
When fire crews arrived, the flames had spread to a second vehicle.
“Our crews arrived in a timely fashion, otherwise their could have been fire spread to nearby vehicles as well as structures,” said Lac La Biche County’s Manager of Protective Services and Regional Fire Chief John Kokotilo.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Kokotilo and local RCMP are investigating it as an arson.
“The fire is being deemed as suspicious, and the Lac La Biche County Fire Services as well as RCMP are investigating,” said Kokotilo, encouraging the public to provide any information they might have on possible suspects or clues. “It would be appreciated if anyone having any information on this fire to call Crime Stoppers or the local police.”
The fire chief held out that invitation to anyone with information about other recent fires in the community, including a Canada Day blaze that damaged the St. Andrews Anglican Church on the Lac La Biche lakefront.
Video shows fireball
RCMP have released video footage of the vehicle fire in the hopes that members of the public will recognize something.
The video shows that one of two suspects appears to be on fire for a moment as a ball of flames erupt from the open door of the vehicle they are standing beside. The suspect bounces of the Main Street construction fencing near the vehicle and runs from the scene.
RCMP hope the public recognize features or clothing of the suspects, or remember something from that morning that can help with the investigation.
Both of the vehicles were written-off by the damage caused. The incident didn’t disrupt work at the automotive business.
Anyone with information about the fire can contact the local RCMP detachment at 780-623-4380. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
