Man charged in north-central Edmonton arson spree that damaged multiple homes
A 25-year-old faces five criminal charges after fires set on Aug. 19 forced residents to evacuate and caused minor property damage nearby.
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A man is facing charges after an Edmonton Police Service investigation into a series of arsons in north-central Edmonton on Aug. 19.
Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. that evening, EPS responded to fires set at an apartment building at 83 Street and 117 Avenue and two houses in the area of 81 Street and 115 Avenue. No injuries were reported, but nearby homes received minor property damage.
Following an investigation that involved CCTV footage, a suspect was identified and arrested in the area of 116 Avenue and Fort Road the same night. Cody Perrott McCarthy, 25, has been charged with numerous offences involving arson.
"When a fire is intentionally set, the potential for harm can extend well beyond the property involved," Acting Inspector Eric Stewart of the EPS Investigations Branch said. "I want to recognize the efforts of our investigators, patrol officers, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, whose teamwork and dedication were instrumental in advancing this investigation."
As of May this year, EPS had investigated 146 suspicious fires. The three arsons on Aug. 19 add to that count as the service continues to address fire-related incidents across the city.
Anyone with information about suspicious fires is urged to contact Edmonton Police Service.
What is the history of arson incidents in the Parkdale and surrounding north-central neighbourhoods, and how does Aug. 19 compare to prior patterns?
Has McCarthy appeared in court, and what are the next legal steps in the case?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who was charged in the Edmonton arson incidents on Aug. 19?
Cody Perrott McCarthy, a 25-year-old, was arrested and charged with numerous offences involving arson following the fires set in north-central Edmonton on August 19, 2026.
How many fires were set during the arson spree?
Three fires were set in north-central Edmonton on August 19, 2026, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., at an apartment building at 83 Street and 117 Avenue and two houses near 81 Street and 115 Avenue.
Were there any injuries in the arsons?
No injuries were reported from the three fires in Edmonton on August 19, 2026, though nearby homes sustained minor property damage.
