KASABONIKA LAKE – According to the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, community firefighters were dispatched to a blaze at the Kasabonika Lake First Nation's 30-year-old Anglican church just before 7 a.m. on Sunday.
Firefighters tried to suppress the fire, but the church was deemed a total loss.
No casualties or injuries were reported.
NAPS has begun its investigation with help from its criminal investigations branch. The police service confirmed the fire is being treated as a possible arson case.
On Sunday afternoon, NAPS arrested a male in connection with a separate fire in the same community. The second blaze was on a trailer containing supplies for new home building in the community. The exact extent of the damage is currently unknown, but is believed to exceed $5,000 CAD.
A 21-year-old from Kasabonika Lake First Nation was charged with Arson – Disregard for Human Life, Arson – Damage to Property, and Mischief Over $5,000.
The accused appeared for bail court on Monday and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
