Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Man charged with arson after Springfield fire

No one was injured but a house was completely destroyed by arson in the RM of Springfield last month.

Oakbank RCMP said today that the fire, which broke out on Feb. 27, at about 2 a.m., caused concerned officers to break in to the home to see if anyone was inside until they were forced back by smoke and heat.

RCMP said while firefighters fought the blaze, officers spotted footsteps in the snow and tracked them with a service dog. A man was found nearby hiding in a forest.

Michael Ian Strachan, 52, of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, has been charged with several offences including arson damage to property. Strachan is still in custody.

RCMP do not have a damage estimate for the fire which is still under investigation by police and the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner.

Comments are not accepted on this story because they might prejudice a case before the courts.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Raw: Bomb squad investigates package on Portage Ave

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • A gaggle of Canada geese goslings at Woodsworth Park in Winnipeg Monday- See Project Honk Day 05- May 07, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • Geese fly in the morning light over Selkirk Ave Wednesday morning- Day 22– June 13, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

What do you use to take photographs?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google