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On August 24, 2026, a massive fire completely destroyed the historic Saint-Simon Catholic Church on the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada, and a 68-year-old local resident, named Gilles Mallet, has been charged with arson. [1, 2]
UPDATED The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) wrote: Through the investigation, the New Brunswick Office of the Fire Marshal determined that the fire had been intentionally set. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and the building is considered a total loss.
It was early on Monday morning, when the historic wooden church in Saint-Simon, located on New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula, was completely destroyed by fire despite the response of three local fire departments. Approximately a century old, the structure is the latest historic house of worship lost in the province, following the March destruction of Christ Church Anglican in Maugerville—a mid-19th-century church currently under investigation as a suspected arson.
Statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bathurst, NB: A message from Bishop Proulx regarding the fire in St-Simon: August 25 , 2026 This morning, I was devastated to learn the terrible news of the fire that completely destroyed St. Simon Church. My heart goes out to Father Jean Pierre, the dedicated volunteers, all the faithful of the community, and all the citizens of St. Simon. This event has plunged us into deep sorrow. What an immeasurable loss! So many memories are tied to this beautiful wooden church: baptisms, weddings, funerals, and so many other significant events. Several generations of Christians celebrated their faith there, and it was the precious legacy of our ancestors. I want to assure the members of the St. Simon community of the support of my prayers.
+ Michel Proulx, O. Praem. Bishop of Bathurst Apostolic Administrator of Edmundston
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According to data compiled by the CBC, at least 33 Canadian churches have been burned to the ground since May 2021, with 24 of those incidents officially confirmed as arson.
The Incident
- Time: Emergency crews responded around 3:30 AM to 4:00 AM on Monday, August 24, 2026.
- Detection: Motion detectors inside the building alerted responders to movement at 3:20 AM.
- Damage: The building was a total loss, leaving only a stone chimney standing.
- Injuries: The building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- History: The church was roughly 108 years old.
- Significance: It was believed to be the largest wooden church remaining in New Brunswick.
- Impact: Caraquet Mayor Bernard Thériault called it the "worst disaster" in the community's history. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Arrest: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested Gilles Mallet, age 68, of Saint-Simon early in the investigation.
- Charges: Mallet appeared in Bathurst Provincial Court and was charged with arson.
- Next Steps: The suspect is remanded in custody pending a bail hearing on August 28, 2026. [1, 2]
Our hearts are heavy.
The church of Saint-Simon, a true emblem of our heritage, has been ravaged by fire. 🕊️
More than just a building, this church held an important place in the collective memory and cultural life of our region. It welcomed generations of families, gatherings, performances, and countless moments that contributed to the vibrancy of our community.
A significant part of our heritage has gone up in flames. We are thinking of the Saint-Simon community, all those who have a special connection to this place, and those who have contributed to its vitality over the years.
In this difficult time, our thoughts are with you. ❤️
📷#1 - Source Wikipedia
📷 #2 - Monica Albert Légère (source Facebook)
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