Saint-Simon Church Fire Today — A historic Catholic church in Saint-Simon, near Caraquet, New Brunswick, Canada, was destroyed by a major fire on Aug. 24, 2026, leaving the local parish community mourning the loss of a longstanding place of worship.
The church, identified as Saint-Simon Catholic Church, was a significant part of the community for generations. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada’s Ontario Provincial Council shared prayers for the congregation and members of the New Brunswick CWL who were affected by the fire.
According to information shared about the incident, the wooden church was built in 1917 and was believed to have been among the largest or tallest remaining wooden churches in New Brunswick. Its loss represents the destruction of a historic structure closely connected to the Saint-Simon community.
Fire Chief Luc Dugas said motion detectors registered movement inside the church at approximately 3:20 a.m., shortly before emergency services were called. The circumstances surrounding the fire subsequently became the subject of a police investigation.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified the church as a total loss following the blaze. Police also identified a person of interest during the early stages of the investigation and arrested 68-year-old Saint-Simon resident Gilles Mallet on arson charges the same day, according to the information provided.
For generations, Saint-Simon Church served as more than a place of worship for local residents. Community members have remembered it as a gathering place associated with baptisms, weddings and moments of mourning, making the destruction particularly significant for parishioners.
Messages of support and prayer have since been shared for the Saint-Simon parish community and those affected by the loss. The Catholic Women’s League called on its members to pray for the congregation, expressing hope that the church community can move forward through a period of renewal, unity and recovery.
The fire has left the Saint-Simon community facing the loss of a historic landmark and cherished place of worship. As the investigation continues, residents and parishioners are being remembered in messages of solidarity as they come together to support one another following the devastating fire.
