Charge laid following suspicious fire

August 25, 2026 - Saint-Simon, New Brunswick
From: New Brunswick RCMP

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A 68-year-old man has been charged with arson following a suspicious fire in Saint-Simon, N.B.

On August 24, 2026, at approximately 4:07 a.m., members of the Caraquet RCMP and the Caraquet, Bertrand, Shippagan Fire Departments, and Justice and Public Safety responded to a report of a religious establishment on fire on Le Bouthillier Road, in Saint-Simon, N.B. 

Through the investigation, the New Brunswick Office of the Fire Marshal determined that the fire had been intentionally set. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and the building is considered a total loss.  

Early in the investigation, police identified a person of interest, and a 68-year-old man from Saint-Simon was arrested. The same day, 68-year-old Gilles Mallet appeared in Bathurst Provincial Court and was charged with arson. He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on August 28, 2026, for a bail hearing. 

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire or has information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Caraquet RCMP at 506-726-5222. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The investigation is ongoing.

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