(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Grass fire arson case not a slam dunk, accused opts for trial

Sep 18, 2025 | 12:36 PM

A man alleged responsible for a large grass fire north of Prince Albert, is maintaining his innocence and opting to be tried by a judge.

Larry Bird’s attendance was waived when his matter was discussed Thursday morning at provincial court. Not guilty pleas to arson and breach of a conditional sentence order, were entered by his lawyer and a trial date was scheduled for Nov. 19.

On Sept. 3, around 2:30 p.m., Prince Albert RCMP were notified by Buckland Fire and Rescue of a large grass fire burning along Highway 2, roughly five kilometers north of the city.

Thankfully, the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished by on-scene firefighters.

Bird, 35, was arrested near the scene and charged him with arson (damage to property) and failure to comply with the conditions of a probation order to not carry incendiary devices, such as lighters or matches.

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He was also charged with an allegation of breaching the conditions of a conditional sentence order not to possess a lighter, from July 16, 2025. That will also be discussed on the trial date.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell