A statement from Chief Justin Bast on the Macklin Fire & District Fire/Rescue:
“As per the following report, after weeks of working hand in hand with the RCMP, our worst suspicions were confirmed and a person of interest was taken into custody. It is with profound sadness that we report this individual was a member of the fire department. Mfd is beyond grateful to the Unity detachment for their assistance in this matter. We deeply apologize to the public and hope that you understand that this rash of incidents, due to one individual’s actions, in no way represents the Macklin Fire department, its members or what we stand for. We want to thank everyone for their support, assistance and understanding.”
On July 31, 2024 Unity RCMP received a report of a hay bale on fire in a field near Macklin and Evesham. RCMP officers responded, along with Macklin Fire Department. The incident was one of several hay bale and grass fires that occurred in Unity/Macklin RCMP jurisdiction between July 28 and August 25, 2024.
Officers continued to investigate by analyzing evidence, including surveillance video. As a result, on August 26, 2024, police officers arrested 25-year-old Logan Sieben from Macklin in relation to this investigation. He is charged with:
- one count, arson causing mischief, Section 434, Criminal Code;
- one count, arson with intent to defraud, Section 435(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, theft under $5000, Section 334, Criminal Code.
“Within the last month we responded to over 15 reports of deliberately set hay bale and grass fires,” says Cpl. Christopher Neufeld of Unity RCMP. “These fires resulted in property loss and greatly impacted our local farmers. Thanks to the diligent work of our RCMP investigators and our partnership and collaboration with Macklin Fire Department, we have now made an arrest and laid charges.”
Logan Sieben is scheduled to appear in Unity Provincial Court on November 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Information #90554108).
To help prevent being a victim of these types of property crimes, Unity/Macklin RCMP advise farmers or land owners to transport hay bales to locations where monitoring can happen, if possible. Please report any suspicious people or vehicles to police as soon as possible.
Macklin Fire Department assisted Unity/Macklin RCMP with this ongoing investigation.
