A 50-year-old Grande Prairie man faces arson charges after a fire ripped through a row house complex on 93 Avenue on June 3, 2026, forcing nine people from their homes. The Grande Prairie RCMP arrested Dwayne Forsyth at the scene after witnesses pointed him out as the person who started the blaze. No one was hurt, but four units were damaged in the evening fire.
The Grande Prairie Fire Department rushed 21 firefighters and five trucks to the row houses around 8:15 p.m. Crews got the flames under control within an hour, but stayed on scene to douse hot spots hidden in the attic spaces. Five people were inside the building when the fire began, and all escaped injury. The Grande Prairie RCMP say witnesses quickly identified the suspect, leading to the arrest.
Forsyth is charged with arson, mischief, and five counts of mischief causing danger to life. He was held in custody and is set to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on June 8. The investigation is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information to contact them.
The Canadian Red Cross is helping the nine displaced residents, providing support. The fire comes during a tense fire season in the region. The City of Grande Prairie had fire restrictions in place since May 9 because of dry, windy conditions that make flames spread fast. Fire Marshal Chris Renyk had warned residents that even small fires can quickly get out of control.
The fire department has been busy this year, responding to 370 calls by early June, including 19 structure fires and 20 wildland-vegetation fires. The RCMP investigation continues, and updates will come as the case moves through court.
