A Lethbridge Police Service badge. A woman is charged with arson. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge woman charged with arson for second time in 2026

Mar 6, 2026 | 1:25 PM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has apprehended a woman in connection with two fires at a downtown property.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026, officers received a report about a person trespassing at the Melcor Centre on the 200 block of 4 Avenue South.

Security staff say the woman was known to them and had previously been issued a trespassing notice. LPS adds that she was also bound by conditions prohibiting her from attending the mall.

The woman was reportedly found by police inside a garbage compactor near the building’s loading dock. She was arrested after exiting.

A short time later, flames and smoke were seen coming from the garbage compactor.

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As the fire grew, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services was called and put it out.

An additional fire had been set behind a compost bin, approximately five metres away from the compactor. The brick wall next to the bin was stained with black residue.

The fires were in close proximity to the building and a parkade where staff members were present.

LPS says it seized two lighters during a search of the suspect.

Audrey Rae Small Legs, 45, of Lethbridge, is charged with two counts of arson disregard for human life, and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

She was remanded into custody.

Small Legs was charged with similar offences back in January after a large grass fire broke out near Mountain View Cemetery.

READ MORE: Arson charges laid in Lethbridge grass fire