Lac La Biche RCMP and local fire official are investigating a blaze that gutted a Lac La Biche Church on Canada Day.
The first 911 call about the blaze at the St. Andrews Anglican Church on Churchill drive came in at 6:30 am on July 1. When Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services crews arrived at the scene a short time later, smoke and flames were venting from the front and sides of the structure.
Fire crews worked for three hours, keeping flames from spreading to the neighbouring buildings; including the Lac La Biche Legion, the church's parsonage and other residential homes. Fire crews managed to keep the flames contained to the inside of the church, keeping the building's exterior walls in place.
On Saturday afternoon, a pile of fire-damaged debris could be seen outside the building beside the front steps. A badly charred section of a church pew bench was visible in the pile.
Sniffer-dog is part of investigation
RCMP and fire officials are continuing to investigate the blaze, which they have told church officials is considered suspicious. Part of the initial investigation suggests there could have been several places inside the church where fires originated. Investigators used a specially-trained 'sniffer-dog' on Saturday afternoon to search the church grounds and the interior for clues to what caused the fire.
At the time the blaze was reported, the area was experiencing a severe thunder storm.
The building is owned by the Anglican Diocese, and is insured.
Lac La Biche RCMP are asking anyone living in between 101 and 103 Street along Churchill Drive to check their security footage to look for any suspicious activity during the early morning hours. Although the first fire call came in at around 6:30 in the morning, officials believe it's possible the fire could have been burning inside the church well before that.
Anyone with information about the fire can contact the Lac La Biche RCMP at 780-623-4380 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).