Damage to the Collett Building and vehicles hit by fire are viewed by building and truck owner John Middelkoop, left, and High Prairie RCMP Cst. Kayla Dubowski.

Richard Froese
South Peace News
Two downtown High Prairie businesses and two vehicles were struck by fire on the morning of Aug. 15.

Emergency services were called to fires first at the Collett Building and then to the Pin Cushion Boutique, both located on 49 Street.

High Prairie Volunteer Fire Department initially responded to a fire at the Collett Building shortly after 3 a.m., says acting fire chief Dan Gillmor.

“A truck on the south side of the building was on fire and ignited the building,” says Gillmor, who reports the fire started in the vehicle.

Damage was contained to the south side of the building.

While the truck was destroyed, a small car received some fire damage, he says.

The Collett Building is the home to Angel Business Services, Northern Alberta Fetal Alcohol and PACE Community Support Sexual Assault and Trauma Centre.

Collett Building owner John Middelkoop says half of the building was extremely damaged while his 2010 Dodge truck was totaled.

He is uncertain about the future of the building that he says was constructed around 1990.

“I’m still waiting for more information from my insurance company,” says Middelkoop, who has owned the building for about 12 years.

About 20 minutes after the first incident, crews were called to a fire in an alley south of The Pin Cushion Boutique.

“We had a vehicle on fire threatening the building,” Gillmor says.
“Fire was contained to the vehicle and an outside wall, while the car was destroyed.”

Tenants in apartments above the Pin Cushion Boutique were evacuated.

“Both fires are suspicious, considering they were close in proximity and time,” High Prairie RCMP Acting Cpl. Brendan Flewilling says.
“We’ve canvassed some businesses and we have video surveillance evidence assisting in the investigation.”

Video shows a figure of a person between the two locations, he says.

“It was the only person in the area at the time of the incident,” Flewelling says.
“We’re still waiting for closer businesses that might have a better image of the suspect.”

Police are committed to solve the incident and prevent others.

“We don’t want this type of activity to continue,” Flewelling says.
“We are doing everything we can to prevent it.”

Blazes were battled by nine firefighters from High Prairie and six from the Enilda fire hall of Big Lakes County.

Firefighters were active until about 7:30 a.m.

“But we had members monitoring the scene until about 4 o’clock checking for hot spots and during the investigation by the Fire Commissioner’s office,” Gillmor says.

Crews were appreciated for their services.

“I commend the firefighters of High Prairie and Enilda on a job extremely well done,” Gillmor says.
“Thanks to Enilda firefighters for a quick and timely response.”

The fires remain under investigation by High Prairie RCMP and the provincial Fire Commissioner’s office.

Anyone with information on how the fires started is requested to phone High Prairie RCMP at (780) 523-3370 or CrimeStoppers at (1-800) 222-TIPS (8477).

The main entrance to the Collett Building was taped off to prevent entry during the investigation. The hole in the window was caused by firefighters to enter the building.

The fire damage was substantial at Pin Cushion Boutique, a burned out car serves as a reminder to just how bad the fire was.

Windows of the Collett Building are boarded closed to prevent entry and protect and secure contents inside.