Two arrested for arson that destroyed $500K in home building materials

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service - Special to The Bulletin

Oct. 4 - Cat Lake, ON – Police have arrested two suspects in connection with an arson investigation of a July fire that led to the destruction of about half-a-million dollars worth of construction materials.
Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Cat Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a fire in the community in the morning hours of July 14, 2024.
Officers arrived at the scene in the 100 block of Back Road where they found a warehouse engulfed in flames.
Police assisted contractors in extinguishing the blaze, however, despite those efforts a significant quantity of building materials were completely destroyed.
The estimated damages total about $500,000, and the materials damaged were meant for home building that would have helped address some of the community’s ongoing housing challenges.
Members of the NAPS Criminal Investigations Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation.
As a result of continued investigative efforts, the fire was treated as a case of arson. Two suspects were eventually identified.
Police located and arrested both suspect on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
A 19-year-old female from Cat Lake First Nation is charged with:
•    Arson – Damage to Property
A 14-year-old female from Cat Lake First Nation is charged with:
•    Arson – Damage to Property
The name of the youth is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. 
The name of the adult accused is being withheld
Both suspects have been released from custody with conditions and future court appearance dates.