A fire that destroyed a gazebo along the city trail system early Wednesday morning was deemed accidental, says Red Deer RCMP.
The Janet McLaren Cook Arbor gazebo was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at 5:08 a.m., shortly after they were called to the scene.
Located on the edge of downtown on the east side of Gaetz Avenue, just south of the bridge over the Red Deer River, the fire at the gazebo appeared to originate in a garbage can behind one of its wooden park benches and spread to the structure.
Red Deer RCMP Const. Francois Nadeau said there were no suspects or witnesses to the fire which was likely caused by a campfire with no criminal intent.
He said with these kinds of incidents there is usually insufficient evidence to prove the damage was deliberate.
“These are not all that common, but they do tend to happen more often in the summer time when the weather is nice,” Nadeau said.
He said RCMP officers on bike patrol, and the downtown unit, proactively patrol trails in the area where the fire happened on a regular basis.
Related:
Fire destroys gazebo along trails in downtown Red Deer
Under the city’s Parks and Public Facilities Bylaws, making a fire in a park in an undesignated site will result in a $100 fine.
He said there are designated fire pits in the city where people can light a fire. People should not simply start a fire in a public space.
“We would encourage people to report any type of fire they see in a place that’s not designated for that kind of activity.
“Especially in the summer time when it’s quite dry and hot outside, these things can spark larger fires that can endanger lives, and public and private property. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
The public should also report outdoor encampments in forested areas where camping is not allowed.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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