A single burning piece of paper caused $50,000 in damage – Calgary police need your help finding this suspect!
Calgary Police are appealing to the public for help in identifying a young woman suspected of setting a deliberate fire that destroyed a detached garage and a vehicle in the city’s southeast.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 12:25 p.m., when patrol officers spotted thick smoke rising from a residential neighborhood near 17 Avenue and 42 Street S.E. Officers tracked the flames to a detached garage in the 1800 block of 42 Street S.E., where they secured the surrounding scene and evacuated nearby residents to safety.
Arson investigators believe the suspect approached the property, ignited a piece of paper, and slipped it underneath the garage door. The resulting blaze caused an estimated $50,000 in damages, completely destroying both the garage structure and the vehicle parked inside.
Police describe the suspect as a female between 16 and 24 years old, standing about 5’4″ tall with a slim build. At the time of the fire, she was wearing an all-black tracksuit, a black baseball cap, and white shoes while carrying a distinct black-and-pink backpack. Authorities note that she is known to frequent the Forest Lawn community. Because the suspect may be a youth, police cannot release photos or video footage under the protections of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Anyone with information regarding the fire or the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the Calgary Police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.