On May 20, 2010, at 7:20 am, Brandon RCMP responded to a report of a fire in the RM of Cornwallis Manitoba, approximately 6 miles east of Brandon.
Police investigation revealed that there were actually 3 fires that had been lit close to rural residences situated along highway 457. The Shilo Fire Dept and the Brandon Fire Dept were on scene battling the fires.
Once of the fires was set in the grass of the North Ditch on Meadowlark Drive near the Waggle Springs road in the small community of Cottonwood acres, which is located close to the intersection of highways 340 and 457. Police worked with the Provincial Fire Commissioners Office out of Brandon and learned that the fire was started by someone pouring an accelerant onto the grass and then lighting it on fire. This fire was brought under control by a local resident and the Shilo Fire Department.
Investigation revealed that the subjects who set the first fire, then walked across the fields for approximately 1.5 miles where they then set 5 large round hay bales on fire. The subjects then walked approximately 1/4 of a mile west to another farm yard where they lit a Manure pile along with 40 large round straw bales on fire.
Police had received information that two male subjects had been seen walking in the area. Patrols were made and two 19-year-old males from the city of Brandon were apprehended approximately 2 miles from the last fire that had been set. RCMP in conjunction with the Brandon Police Service K-9 Unit were able to gather evidence that linked the two subjects to the fires.
Both subjects were released from Police Custody on their own Recognizance and provided with court documents to appear in Provincial court on June 21, 2010, in Brandon.
RCMP report no injuries and no buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Cst. Tyson Sergent
Brandon RCMP Detachment
204-726-7522
Cpl. Gary Bardal
NCO I/C Brandon Detachment
