A fire that razed a church near Beiseker early Wednesday morning has been deemed an arson.
A release from the Airdrie RCMP notes that a fire investigator was called in to investigate the fire at the Beiseker Level-Land Seventh Day Adventist Church concluded the fire was deliberately set, and the RCMP is investigating.
The Rockyford Fire Department was called at approximately 6:24 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, to the fire on Range Road 242. The church, built in 1945, is located about three kilometres west of the Highway 9 and 21 intersection, and south a kilometre.
“Once we got on scene, the building was fully engulfed. The fire department maintained and protected other structures around it,” said Firefighter Darcy Burke. “ It was a total loss.”
The Rockyford Fire Department was supported by the Rosebud Fire Department, Wheatland West Fire Department, and the Dalum Fire Department. There were about 30- 40 firefighters on the scene at the height of the fire. Crews remained for more than 11 hours to tend to the scene. There were no injuries.
“We had church parishioners coming on scene and were visibly shaken by the loss of their church. It is a pretty tight-knit community, and it is something they hold very dear to their heart,” said Burke.
“It is sad to see a community lose its church and even worse at this time of year.”
The RCMP is now investigating and is seeking public assistance.
If anyone has any information regarding this arson, please contact the Airdrie RCMP at 403‐ 945‐7200, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play,
