In May 2024, police began investigating a suspicious fire in Edmonton’s Strathearn neighbourhood.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, police issued a news release highlighting a total of seven ongoing arson investigations at the time in the King Edward Park and Holyrood neighbourhoods.
After continued investigations with EFRS, as well as information received from residents in the affected communities, police can now confirm they are investigating a total of 24 arsons that have occurred in Allendale, Belgravia, Ritchie, King Edward Park, Holyrood and Strathearn this year. The majority of these arsons date back to earlier in the year, with one additional arson being reported since EPS’ last update on November 8, 2024.
These arsons have taken place in residential neighbourhoods, including occupied residences, unoccupied new homes and detached garages and sheds.
“As we continue to work with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the City of Edmonton and members of the impacted communities, we are thoroughly reviewing all arsons that have been reported in these areas since the beginning of the year,” says Inspector Shannon Dechamplain with EPS’ Investigations Branch. “While we are unsure if these events are related beyond proximity, we have been able to identify several persons of interests. We are thankful for the public’s assistance and cooperation in helping us move this investigation forward and ask that any suspicious activity continue to be reported to police.”
Police are also continuing to patrol throughout the affected communities in southwest and southeast Edmonton, increasing proactive response with additional help from EPS crime disruption and suppression teams.
As previously reported, there are no connections to Project Gaslight at this time. Police also do not believe that these events are related to Bitcoin extortions.