**Updated as of 4:40 p.m. September 28th, 2020**
According to a release from the Ontario Provincial Police, 49-year-old Emric Thompson of Saugeen First Nation has been charged with Arson - Damage to Property, section 434 Criminal Code of Canada, and Mischief Over $5,000, section 430(3).
**Updated as of 3:06 p.m. September 28th, 2020**
Fire gutted the Historic Wesley United Church in the Saugeen First Nation overnight.
At about 1:31 a.m. on Monday, Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a structure fire, Wesley United Church at Highway 21 on Saugeen First Nation.
Saugeen First Nation Fire Department was assisted by Saugeen Shores Fire Department, from both Southampton and Port Elgin Stations.
While at the scene, OPP officers learned of two other structure fires at churches on Saugeen First Nation, The Church of Jesus Christ and Saugeen Fellowship Baptist Church.
At 4:32 a.m., OPP officers arrested a person and they are being held in custody.
Grey Bruce OPP Crime Unit and Ontario Fire Marshal, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fires.
Highway 21 was closed just north of Southampton for most of the day but it has since reopened.
There are no other details at this time.
CLEARED: Road Closure: #Hwy21 between Christine St and Kewageshig St #Southampton - Road reopened. ^lp
— OPPCommunicationsWR (@OPP_COMM_WR) September 28, 2020
