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Mounties say that a fire that destroyed a church building in southern Manitoba is suspicious and are asking for the public’s help in their investigation.
On March 13, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Pembina Valley RCMP were dispatched to a fire at Grace St. John's Anglican Lutheran Church on 2nd Street SW in Carman. When officers arrived, Carman Fire and Emergency Medical Services were already on the scene, but firefighters were unable to enter the building as the floor had already collapsed into the basement.
There was no one inside at the time, and no injuries were reported. However, the structure sustained significant damage as crews battled the flames for hours.
The RCMP and the Office of the Fire Commissioner are continuing their investigation. As the fire has been deemed suspicious, Pembina Valley RCMP are asking anyone who may have video footage from the area between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to contact the detachment at 204-745-6760.
A big loss for congregants and community
The loss of the church has deeply impacted the congregation. In a Facebook post, Grace St. John's Anglican Lutheran Church shared, "We had some devastating news. There was a fire at the church. Please keep us in your prayers."
Bishop Jason Zinko of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada acknowledged the grief felt by the community.
"Please pray for comfort and strength for this community as they grieve and process the loss of their building," said Zinko in a statement. "May the peace of Christ sustain this community through this time."
With files from Colleen Houde