MACKLIN — The Macklin Fire Department says Logan Sieben, 25, arrested and charged by Unity RCMP in connection to recent hay bale fires in Unity/Macklin, was a member of the department.

“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,” said Macklin Fire Chief Justin Bast in a post on the Macklin & District Fire/ Rescue Facebook page

“MFD is beyond grateful to the Unity [RCMP] 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,” Bast added. 

RCMP say surveillance video and other evidence helped officers identify and arrest the 25-year-old from the Macklin area. 

Sieben is being charged with arson causing mischief, arson with intent to defraud and theft under $5,000.

RCMP say within the last month, officers responded to more than 15 reports of deliberately set hay bale and grass fires in the area.

The town’s local fire department helped investigate and offered a reward of $26,500 for information leading to an arrest, but RCMP did not say if the reward was paid.

Sieben will be in court in November.