Charges have been laid against 29-year-old John Cook from Cherry Grove concerning a series of intentionally set wildfires. Cook is also accused of arson of homes, cars, and a church.
He is charged with ten counts of arson in total. Local authorities first caught wind of Cook back in August 2022 after opening an investigation.
The RCMP investigated several wildfires in the Hilda Lake, Ardmore, Cherry Grove, and Cold Lake Provincial Park areas. The investigation revealed that the fires were set intentionally.
Cold Lake RCMP was called to a fire at Cherry Grove’s rodeo grounds in September, where a wooden platform was set ablaze.
The aftermath of the church fire in Cherry Grove | MD of Bonnyville
In April, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a Canada Post office were set on fire. Two days later, police responded to many vehicle and structure fires, including two residential homes in Cherry Grove.
“This is a devastating loss, especially knowing the high possibility both were set deliberately. We hope that anyone with information about either fire comes forward,” commented Bonnyville’s Reeve Barry Kalinski in a media release.
Thankfully, Cook’s alleged spree was short-lived, with authorities arresting him the same day. According to police, Cook was already under a conditional sentence to remain on his property due to a previous incident.
Cook is in custody and is set to appear in court in Cold Lake on May 10, 2023. While the damage caused by Cook is under control, the crimes he is accused of are incredibly dangerous.
Intentionally setting fires during May wildfire season is not something to take lightly. The Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard indicates 80 active wildfires across the province.
Bonnyville is under a fire advisory, indicating the fire rating has increased. While most activities are permitted, fire permits may be restricted.
Keeping yourself educated, informed, and ready for wildfires is essential. Even if a wildfire is nowhere near your location, all it takes is one windy day to spread rapidly.
