Former volunteer firefighter accused in Saskatchewan hay arsons pleads guilty

Crews snuff out hay bales on fire near Macklin, Sask., in a July 30, 2024, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Justin Bast

A former volunteer firefighter accused in a string of arsons in rural Saskatchewan has pleaded guilty to mischief.

A provincial court official says Logan Sieben of Macklin, Sask., is to appear in court for sentencing on March 17.

Two outstanding charges -- arson for a fraudulent purpose and theft -- are also to be dealt with that day.

The fire chief in Macklin, Sask., has said his department was perplexed last summer after more than 20 fires were set to hay bales, grass and crops.

He has said the department’s worst suspicions were confirmed when Sieben, who had been a volunteer since 2016, was accused of starting the blazes.

Macklin is 250 kilometres west of Saskatoon near the Alberta boundary.

-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2025.