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A.E. Bowers playground set on fire, teen charged with arson

Students returning to A.E. Bowers Elementary School Sept. 3 will have fewer play options, as the large playground at the school was severely damaged in an Aug. 15 fire allegedly caused by arson.

According to a release from Airdrie RCMP, at approximately 7:15 p.m., RCMP and the Airdrie Fire Department were dispatched to a fire at a playground.

"Upon arrival, a female youth was located and arrested for this incident," police stated.

“The suspect was still at the scene or close by to the scene and was pointed out by witnesses,” said Cpl. Gina Slaney, media relations officer for Airdrie RCMP.

A 14-year-old girl from Airdrie – who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act – was charged with arson, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose.

“[The assault and weapon] charges resulted from an earlier incident and are unrelated to the arson,” Slaney said.

The teen was released on conditions, according to RCMP, and will appear in Airdrie Provincial Court Sept. 19.

The playground was fenced off for several days while AFD investigated the incident, Fire Chief Kevin Weinberger said. As of Aug. 19, AFD was still on scene completing the investigation.

“They're going to be looking for the source...to determine the cause and origin – what caused it, where it started and what it spread to,” Weinberger said.

He said AFD extinguished the blaze within 10 minutes of arriving on scene.

Though the playground was made of recycled tires, which give off toxic fumes when burnt, Weinberger said there was little cause for concern from the black smoke released during the fire.

“[The smoke] was going straight up…if it was a larger area and was to burn for a longer time, it could have been hazardous,” he said. “It wasn't coming down to the ground or blowing into houses.”

According to Weinberger, there is no estimate of damages as of Aug. 19.

“The playground at A.E. Bowers is a joint property between [Rocky View Schools] and the City [of Airdrie],” Fred Cheney, communications advisor with the City said.  

“Future actions will be determined after a discussion is held between the City, our insurer and Rocky View Schools.”

“The playground that was affected is one of two structures in close proximity of A.E. Bowers, so our students will still have access to RVS’ playground for school start-up,” said Erlene Gococo, communications officer with RVS.

Airdrie RCMP asks anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact the detachment at 403-945-7200. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at P3Tips.com or by using the "P.M Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store."

Updated Aug. 22 to include comments from RCMP and AFD.


Airdrie Today Staff

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