5 pets killed in Selkirk house fire; RCMP charge woman with arson

An RCMP collar tab pin is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

A 37-year-old woman has been charged with arson after five animals were killed in a house fire in Selkirk over the weekend.

On Saturday at 9:15 p.m., RCMP were called to a house fire on McLean Avenue.

Firefighters were battling the fully-engulfed home when RCMP arrived, and the homeowner, a 37-year-old woman, was outside. She was not physically injured but taken to hospital as a precaution.

“Through their initial investigation, RCMP discovered the female had intentionally set the fire,” RCMP said in a news release.

RCMP said the only occupants inside the home were the owner’s three cats and two dogs, who all died during the fire.

The woman was arrested and charged with arson, injuring or endangering other animals, and causing animals unnecessary suffering. She is scheduled to appear in court later this week.

The investigation into the fire continues.