Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the latest information provided by Innisfail RCMP.

INNISFAIL —  Local RCMP say "more than one" young person has criminal charges pending in connection to early Monday morning (June 20) fires at the town's skatepark and outside the Innisfail Middle School.

Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk told the Albertan on the afternoon of June 21 that the investigation into the two fires is still ongoing, and that charges against the youths are pending.

At about 4 a.m. on June 20, the Innisfail Fire Department responded to calls that two porta potties were on fire at the Innisfail Skatepark, as well as a garbage can outside the Innisfail Middle School.

Innisfail fire chief Gary Leith said two fire department units were sent out to deal with both fires.

He said there were no injuries to any citizens or fire department personnel from either fire but the skatepark’s two porta potties were destroyed. Leith added the garbage can outside the school sustained heat damage.

The fire chief said it appeared the two fires were related and deliberately set.

“Two separate fires at the same time that were deliberately set, so the likelihood is that they were related, yes,” said Leith, adding Innisfail RCMP is investigating.

“It (fires) has been dealt with and obviously RCMP (is) investigating.”

A Chinook’s Edge School Division spokesperson said Innisfail RCMP has been working with officials at Innisfail Middle School about the garbage can fire at the corner of the school property.

Ken Kowalchuk, communications coordinator for the Town of Innisfail, said the two destroyed skatepark porta potties were the property of an outside Central Alberta company contractor.

He said the plan is to have another porta potty in place at the skatepark “hopefully” by the end of the week.

About the Author: Johnnie Bachusky

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