Man charged with six counts of arson after string of fires in Mission, B.C. park

A man has been charged in connection with a series of arson incidents at a park in Mission, British Columbia over the past two years.

Six deliberate fires at Fraser River Heritage Park began in July 2021, with the most recent fire occurring on January 6th of this year.

One fire in August 2021 spread to nearly one hectare and prompted the evacuation of nearby homes. A BC WildFire helicopter participated in the firefighting effort.

According to the BC Prosecution Service, Joseph Gene Clarkman has been charged with six counts of arson and will appear in Abbotsford District Court on March 9.