Arson charges laid after string of wildland fires near Edmonton

A 31-year-old Spruce Grove, Alta., man has been charged with six counts of arson after a series of wildland fires in Parkland County and Sturgeon County.
RCMP arrested the man on Sept. 15 after receiving five complaints between April and July related to the fires, Corp. Cuneyet Zanbak told CTV News Edmonton.
"Through the investigation it was determined that there was a common denominator with the accused and the fires," said Corp. Zanbak.
"Wildland fires are a major concern and affect many people long after the fire is extinguished. The costs associated with fighting such fires and the resources used further affect residents of the County overall, which can delay other projects."
Corp. Zanbak said no property damages were reported in any of the fires.
"All smaller in nature," he said "They were caught early enough that they were brought under control quickly."
Police are not releasing the name of the man charged in the arsons, citing other legal proceedings.
The man is scheduled to appear in Stony Plain provincial court on Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.

U.S. downs Chinese balloon, drawing a threat from China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft and threatened repercussions.
'It's devastating': Homeless Canadians at risk as Eastern Canada endures extreme cold, advocates say
As the majority of Eastern Canada stays indoors during an extreme cold weather alert, homeless shelters are struggling to keep up with the demand from unhoused people as temperatures continue to drop.
Extreme cold can bring frostbite and hypothermia. Here are the symptoms to watch for
Canadians will continue to bundle up in the country's east this weekend as a recent bout of extreme cold persists in much of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at the signs and symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia to watch for if exposed to extreme cold.
China says it strongly opposes U.S. move to shoot down balloon
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the United States' use of force to attack its airship.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Federal government asking RCMP to ban use of sponge rounds, CS gas for crowd control
The federal government says it wants the RCMP to ban the use of two crowd-control tools that forces across the country say they have in their arsenals: sponge rounds and CS gas.
Extremely cold temperatures prolong cold weather alerts for much of Eastern Canada
A cold snap that triggered Environment Canada alerts involving eight provinces and territories extended into a second day on Saturday, shattering several past temperature records and leaving thousands of customers in Atlantic Canada without power.
Toronto named as host city for 2024 NHL all-star game
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Saturday the league's 2024 showcase will be played in Toronto for the ninth time.