A historic Catholic church in the Saint-Simon area near Caraquet, New Brunswick, has been destroyed after a devastating fire early Monday morning, August 24, 2026. The blaze reduced the more-than-century-old Saint-Simon Church to a total loss, leaving residents mourning the destruction of an important landmark and gathering place in the Acadian community.
Emergency crews were called to the religious building on Le Bouthillier Road at approximately 4:07 a.m., according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Firefighters from Caraquet, Bertrand and Shippagan responded as flames spread through the wooden structure.
The church was reportedly built in 1917 and was regarded as one of New Brunswick’s most significant wooden churches. Its long history made it an important part of the Saint-Simon community, where generations of residents had gathered for worship and major family occasions.
Residents watched as the fire consumed the building. Firefighters initially attempted to contain the flames, but the fire eventually spread into the roof, making it impossible to save the structure. Reports said the building was ultimately considered a total loss.
The destruction has been particularly painful because the church was much more than a physical building. It served as a place where members of the community gathered for Sunday worship, weddings, baptisms, funerals and other important occasions. For many residents, the building was closely connected to family memories and community traditions.
Caraquet Mayor Bernard Thériault described the destruction as an enormous tragedy for the area. Residents have similarly spoken about the emotional impact of losing a landmark that had stood for generations and served as a central part of community life.
The circumstances surrounding the fire also prompted an investigation. Initially, authorities described the blaze as suspicious. The New Brunswick Office of the Fire Marshal subsequently determined that the fire had been intentionally set. The church was unoccupied when the fire occurred, and no injuries were reported.
Police have since arrested and charged a 68-year-old Saint-Simon man in connection with the fire. The RCMP identified him as Gilles Mallet and said he was charged with arson. He appeared in Bathurst Provincial Court and was remanded in custody, with another court appearance scheduled for August 28. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are continuing to ask anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the fire or who has information that could assist investigators to contact the Caraquet RCMP detachment.
For residents, however, the immediate concern is the loss of a treasured part of their heritage. The church’s destruction means that a building that had witnessed generations of baptisms, marriages, funerals, religious celebrations and community gatherings is no longer standing.
The fire has also highlighted how deeply historic buildings can be connected to people’s personal histories. Residents who grew up attending services there or celebrating major family milestones inside the church are now left with memories of a place that had been a constant presence in their lives.
Although the physical structure has been destroyed, its significance to the Saint-Simon community will not disappear. The memories created there will remain with the families and generations who considered the church an important part of their lives.
The August 24 blaze has therefore become more than a fire report for the Caraquet-area community. It represents the loss of an important piece of local history and a place that served as a spiritual and social center for generations.
As the investigation continues and the community considers what comes next, residents are left to mourn the destruction of Saint-Simon Church while remembering the role it played in the history and identity of their community.
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