Police lay charges after multiple fires set on Siksika Reserve

Gleichen RCMP have arrested and charged a man after a series of fires were intentionally set Thursday on the Siksika Reserve.

Philip John Strange of Langdon, Alta., is charged with arson and trespassing on a reserve.

Witnesses reported seeing a man lighting grass on fire early Thursday morning, police say.

RCMP respondedto the complaint of a suspicious person in the area and made anarrest.

The firewas contained by the Siksika Fire Department butRCMP say it caused extensive property damage to the Siksika land. This includes areas that are used for traditional ceremonies and offerings.

"This past week has been trying on the Siksika people.These intentional acts of property damage affect the well-being and security of everyone that lives here," saidSgt. Scott Mercer of the Gleichen RCMPin a release.

Police say the fires set on Siksika land are not tied to the deliberate fires set on Catholic and Anglican churches this week.

They add that no more information will be released as the incident is nowbefore the courts.

Strange was released from custody on his own recognizance after a judicial interim release hearing.

He is set to appear in Siksika Provincial Court on Aug. 12.