Members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a male with arson following an investigation into a fire on an island property in early September.
On September 10th, 2025, members of the Haliburton Highlands OPP and local emergency services personnel responded to a structure fire on Echo Island on Kawagama Lake, Township of Algonquin Highlands. The fire was determined to be suspicious in nature and members of the Haliburton Highlands Crime Unit began investigating the incident as a possible arson.
As a result of the investigation, John Macfadden, a 47-year-old from Bradford has been arrested and charged with:
- Arson – Damage to Property
Macfadden was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Minden at a future date.
Should you observe any suspicious activity, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.khcrimestoppers.com. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.
