Vermilion RCMP arrest male for arson of historic building

One person has been charged as an investigation into the arson of a historic school site east of Vermilion in 2019 continues.

On Oct. 17, 2019 at 6:22 a.m., Vermilion RCMP and the Innisfree Fire Department responded to a fire at the former Bowling Green School  site on Township Road 510 in Minburn.

The building was referred to as the Bowling Green School, but was considered a historic site since its closure as a school.

Police said no one was inside the building at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

The damage shown from the arson. Image credit: Vermilion RCMP.

At the same time, police found two hay bales on fire a kilometre west of the school, roadside on Township Road 510.

The fire investigator completed its investigation and determined the fire to be suspicious in nature.

On Feb. 9, 2021, Vermilion RCMP arrested and charged Hayden Ross Isley, 19, from Innisfree with two counts of arson.

Isley was released on an undertaking and he is scheduled to appear in Vermilion Provincial Court on April 19, 2021.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected to be laid, police said.

The school was established in 1912 and used as a community hall after the school closed.