A 34-year-old Abbotsford man has been charged in connection with one of three deliberately set fires at local schools earlier this month, police say.

The Abbotsford Police Department says investigators believe fires were intentionally set at the Bakerview Centre for Learning on April 13 and April 15, and at Godson Elementary School on April 17, when a portable classroom was damaged.

Police say the department’s Major Crime Unit took conduct of the investigation, with assistance from patrol officers, the general investigative section, forensic identification teams, as well as the Crime Reduction Unit and Gang Crime Unit.

Jessie Olson was arrested on April 22 and has since been charged with arson in relation to the April 13 fire, as well as breaching a release order stemming from his arrest.

Olson remains in custody.

Police say the other two fires remain under investigation.

Authorities described the incidents as having a significant impact on students, families and school staff, and said the investigation remains a priority given concerns about safety in learning environments.

Police added they are continuing to work with school officials and partner agencies to ensure schools remain safe and supported while the investigation proceeds.