Man charged with arson in connection with Pearce Estate Park fire

After allegedly admitting to starting a fire in Pearce Estate Park in Calgary's southeast on Monday, a man now faces a charge of arson.

After allegedly admitting to starting a fire in Pearce Estate Park in Calgary's southeast on Monday, a man now faces a charge of arson.

The fire was ignited in the grass and brush between Harvie Passage and the Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery around 6 p.m.

As firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze, police blocked off the area and evacuated the park.

Police say officers were approached by a man and that he confessed the ordeal was his doing.

"The man told police he collected white fluffy debris that had fallen off nearby trees, placed it in a pile on the ground and subsequently lit it on fire," police said Tuesday in a release to media.

Danny Manuel Deringer, 33, was charged with arson and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

The fire ended up covering more than one hectare.