RCMP charge Macklin fire department member in connection with suspected hay bale arsons

A man charged by RCMP in connection with a series of suspected arsons in west-central Saskatchewan is also a member of the area's local fire department.

Between July 28 and Aug. 25, the Macklin Fire Department responded to approximately 20 fires,equivalent to the number of calls thedepartment receives in an entire year,Fire Chief Justin Bast previously told The Canadian Press.

The town is located about 250 kilometres west of Saskatoon. The spate of fires even prompted a $3,000reward for information that wouldlead to the arrest of those involved. The rewardeventually roseto$26,500.

RCMP say their investigation, which included analyzing evidence such as surveillance video, led to them arresting a suspect on Aug. 26.

They've now charged Logan Sieben, 25, with one count each ofarson causing mischief, arson with intent to defraud and theft under $5,000.

"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," saidCpl. Christopher Neufeldin a news release.

Bast, in a statement posted to the Macklin Fire Department Facebook page,confirmed that Sieben was a member of the department.

"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," wrote Bast.

Sieben is scheduled to appear in Unity Provincial Court in November.