A 54-year Alberta woman in has been charged with setting dozens of fires by the Forestry Crimes Unit of the RCMP..Authorities have been investigating a string of wildfires near the towns of Bonnyville and Lac La Biche over the past six weeks..Audrey Elaine Dunham, 54, of nearby Glendon, faces 32 of arson dating back to April 24. She was arrested on May 27 by the FCU, At the time of arrest, four wildfires were located nearby with a total of 19 wildfires started over the course of a few hours, said RCMP..Dunham has since been released from police custody and is expected to appear in court on August 17..“Public Safety is a shared responsibility and by working together, the Forestry Crimes Unit and their partners can be instrumental in preventing wildfires and promoting public safety. This investigation is the result of a partnership between; Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, Forestry Crimes Unit and Bonnyville RCMP,” said Insp. Pamela Robinson, of the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch. .“If the Forestry Crimes Unit can be instrumental in preventing wildfires, and hold those who start the fires accountable, then this investigation is a success.”.The Forestry Crimes Unit, formalized in January 2018, is an initiative between the RCMP and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry working together to support wildfire investigations and other forestry-related crimes in rural areas. The RCMP Forestry Crimes Unit coordinates forestry investigations within RCMP jurisdiction and provides specialized wildfire expertise to detachment personnel and partner agencies..Jackie Conroy is a correspondent at the Western Standard.,.jconroy@westernstandardonline.com
