On September 6, 2017 Didsbury RCMP made an arrest of a female who had barricaded herself in a residence and started a fire inside.

Shortly after 8:00 p.m. on September 6, Didsbury RCMP attended a residence in Didsbury to affect the arrest of a female on outstanding warrants. The female resisted arrest and barricaded herself inside her residence, following which she wielded a machete and lit the residence on fire. Olds RCMP and Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Services were called to assist.  The female was forced out of the residence by the toxic smoke and was taken safely into custody by police.

Didsbury Fire Department extinguished the blaze which caused significant damage to the upper floor of the residence.

With the RCMP on scene and quick response by the Didsbury Fire Department, the situation was contained and the general public was not at risk.

The female and three RCMP officers were treated for smoke inhalation by Didsbury EMS. The female faces numerous additional charges including Arson, Possession of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.  The name of the involved female cannot be released by the RCMP as charges have not been formally sworn.