Investigators are searching for two culprits involved in a suspected arson at the Highway 2 Bar and Grill on Edmonton Trail on Nov. 10.
At 3:30 a.m., Airdrie RCMP, the RCMP Police Dog Services and the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) were dispatched to the Highway 2 Bar and Grill.
When crews arrived, smoke was showing from the roof area and throughout the interior of the building. Once fire crews gained entry to the restaurant, they were able to determine where the fire was located and quickly extinguish it, according to a media release from AFD Deputy Chief Garth Rabel.
Firefighters ventilated the area and opened portions of the ceiling and walls to check for possible fire extension. Crews remained on scene for approximately three hours.
RCMP investigators have photos of two suspects who are believed to have been involved. It is believed they broke in to the establishment through a door.
Fire investigators determined the fire was ignited from multiple locations within the establishment.
The business was closed at the time and no injuries were reported.
ìThis is a big concern of ours and there can be serious charges involved with an arson like this when youíre looking at the amount of damage,î said RCMP Staff Sgt. Gordon Sage.
Significant damage was done to the interior and the buildingís contents, damages are estimated at about $200,000 as of press time.
Sage said the RCMP and AFD are working in collaboration to determine who is responsible for the arson.
ìWeíre bringing in all the experts,î said Sage. ìThe Airdrie Fire Department has a massive amount of knowledge on these things.î
A total of five pieces of apparatus and 14 firefighters were on the scene.
Police are asking for the assistance of the public in identifying any suspects who may have been involved with the fire.
Stolen compressor
The Airdrie Boys and Girls Club (BGC) is out $800 after their former 60-gallon air compressor was stolen from the RCMP building on Edmonton Trail.
The six foot tall compressor was stolen sometime between Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 when BGC members were cleaning up from their AIRScares haunted manor.
ìWe had the compressor wrapped up and sitting inside at the front of the building,î said BGC Executive Director Denis Sanness. ìIt was too big to move so we were going to leave it overnight, I last saw it Friday (Nov. 8) morning and when we came back on Saturday it was gone.î
Sanness said there was no forced entry to the building and though there was also a smaller air compressor and an audio system inside the building at the time, the large air compressor was the only thing stolen.
ìWhoever took it knew what they were coming for,î said Sanness. ìItís way too big for one person to move so it wouldíve been at least two people with a truck.î
Sanness has filed a report with the RCMP, and because the compressor is valued at under $1,000 it is not eligible to be claimed on insurance.
ìThe compressor is valued at $800 and thatís money that has to come right out of the Boys and Girls Clubís pocket, itís really unfortunate,î said Sanness.
The compressor is a Husky Brand, six-foot compressor, it is red with a yellow air hose.
Anyone with information on any unsolved crime can contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
