By Times Staff
Rainy River District OPP have a youth offender in custody following an arson investigation that resulted from a late night fire at the Fort Frances Canadian Tire store.
In a post made to their Facebook page early this morning, Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services noted that they responded to the retail store at approximately 11:04 p.m. last night, Thursday, December 18, 2025. OPP officers were already on scene upon arrival at Canadian Tire, and firefighters noted heavy smoke and low visibility when they entered the store.
Canadian Tires’ sprinkler system had activated and contained the fire to a limited area, and firefighters were able to make “a quick interior attack” to bring the fire under control.
A primary and secondary search were performed to ensure no occupants were within the building, and it was subsequently ventilated to help clear hazardous smoke.
Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services noted that firefighters and other first responders faced “extreme cold conditions” during the effort to put out the fire.
As of this morning, the Fort Frances OPP had carriage of the scene to conduct an investigation.
As a result of the investigation, an OPP spokesperson confirmed a 15-year-old youth from Fort Frances has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Arson – damage to property
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Break and enter
- Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – 2 counts
- Fail to comply with probation order
- Mischief – destroy or damages property
The accused cannot be identified as they are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services shared that sprinkler systems can make a big difference in local homes and businesses when it comes to protecting from, or lessening, the damage caused by fires to both property and human life.
“Fire protection systems like sprinklers help protect our community, businesses, and first responders,” Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services said in their post.
”Thanks to all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts.”
The OPP said members of the Fort Frances Crime Unit continue to investigate alongside the Office of the Fire Marshal.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Fort Frances OPP at 1-888-310-1122,” the OPP said.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.”
