By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A suspicious weekend fire at Charlotte’s Freedom Farm is under investigation.
According to a Facebook post from the owner of the Dresden-area animal rescue sanctuary, a fire was set in an empty trailer and discovered about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
The post said owner Lauren Edwards and volunteer Christine Rettig discovered the flames and called 911.
Firefighters were quick to respond to the blaze and neighbours also came to assist.
The weekend incident is the second fire to hit the farm in less than a year. Last July, a major fire struck when a barn burned down, killing 22 of the 100 animals housed there.
According to the post, the farm received a threatening letter in the mailbox Oct. 2, 2020, that contained hate speech with the message “go away.”
It also said, “You can rebuild, but I will set another fire.”
Another letter was found after Sunday’s incident, stating “You were warned,” along with other messages of hate speech.
The farm was outfitted with security cameras after last year’s fire, but owners are now looking at adding overnight security.
Edwards told The Voice on Monday morning she is not able to comment on the situation at present.
“Police have asked us not to talk to media at this time,” Edwards said in phone call. “It’s an active investigation.”
