Who Started the Goldie National Park Fire on 'When Calls the Heart'? All the Top Suspects (Updated) ...Saudi Arabia

This season's ongoing mystery on When Calls the Heart is who started the wildfires that destroyed Goldie National Park and Benson Hills?

The fire ravaged through the forest and threatened Hope Valley but the winds changed direction and Hope Valley was spared but Benson Hills was destroyed. As residents from the town evacuated to Hope Valley, there were some that seemed less than grateful for the charity and kindness the town of Hope Valley provided them. While Nathan and Bill investigate into the cause of the fire, let's look into possible culprits.

? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ? 

What Started the Fire in Goldie National Park on 'When Calls the Heart'?

Possible Suspect: A. J. McGinty

The obvious firebrand is A. J. McGinty (Kevin McNulty). He's certainly Lee's (Kavan Smith) top suspect as to who started the fire. McGinty was opposed to the creation of Goldie National Park because the land that would be used for the park encroached upon the land he needed for his cattle to graze. He also felt it could impact negatively on his livelihood as well as other industries in the area. He went so far as to use bullying tactics and a land dispute to halt the creation of the national park but lost. All fingers seem to point to him, but it's so obvious that he's probably not the culprit.

Related: 3 Babies in 6 Weeks?! A Massive Baby Boom is Blessing the Cast of ‘When Calls the Heart’—See Which Stars are Expecting!

Possible Suspect: Pioneer Electric Company

If you lived in southern California last year, especially in the Los Angeles area, then you were well aware of the fires in the Palisades and the Eaton Fire a little farther inland. While an official cause has yet to be determined, the leading theory was equipment owned by the electrical company sparked the Eaton Fire. If equipment in the 21st century can spark a blaze that can burn over 14,000 acres, what do you bet power lines from a newly formed electric company at the turn of the 20th century can also? Given the fact that Henry's (Martin Cummins) son, Christopher Hughes (James Drew Dean) is trying to turn over a new leaf and has already mentioned to his father that his boss, Shelby Whitaker (Harrison Coe) takes credit for his ideas, what do you bet Whitaker would gladly throw Christopher under the bus to save his own skin if the electric company is to blame for the fire? If that's the case, Henry will have his hands full proving his son's innocence. Of course this may be the perfect reason for Abigail (Lori Loughlin) to return to Hope Valley - to lend moral support to Henry.

As we haven't heard mention of the electric company as a possible cause, we're putting them at the top of our suspect list.

Possible Suspect: Clarence from Benson Hills

Hallmark Media

Remember that jerk from Benson Hills that tried to take more than his fair share of donated goods from Ned? Clarence (Josh Collins) wasn't the kindest man and even spent some time in jail for his shenanigans. Was his behavior a hint of his true nature and perhaps what he's already done?

Possible Suspect: Gwendolyn's Father

Last week, we were introduced to Gwendolyn (Alex MacIsaac), an evacuee from Benson Hills whose father was initially missing when the town was evacuated. He was later found but was severely injured and taken to a hospital in Buxton. As the hospital wanted to minimize any risk of infection, visitation was limited. The Coulters took Gwendolyn in after she took a shine to Goldie (Ellie Sweiss), but was refusing to leave the saloon until her dad arrived.

Is it possible her father had something to do with the fires? How did he get so badly injured? We don't know anything about her dad - what he does or why she wasn't with him. Was he doing something shady and knowingly sent Gwendolyn away?

While Lee said there wasn't any lightning that could have sparked the fire and it didn't seem to be particularly hot that day, it is possible the sun alone could have started the fire. One dry leaf, one perfectly aimed ray of sunlight and voila! Ignition.

Possible Suspect: The Hope Valley Kids

Hallmark Media

In thinking of possible suspects, we had to consider the kids. While we don't think any of them would have intentionally set the fires, what if they did something that caused a spark or embers and didn't realize they did? If not them, what if there were other kids in the park that we're not even aware of?

UPDATE: After Episode 3, we learn that Toby (Billy Christos Jr.) and Cooper (Elias Leacock) may have been the unintentional culprits in the wildfire after they started a small fire to heat up their lunch. While they thought they took all the necessary steps to bank the flames, they are second-guessing themselves and wonder if they missed a step. If they are indeed the arsonists, what does that mean for their families?

Related: Did Nathan Propose? Is Elizabeth Home for Good? All the Spoilers From ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 13 Premiere

Possible Suspect: Unknown Individual

There's definitely the possibility of an unknown individual that has yet to be revealed. Maybe someone out in the area smoking their pipe or banking a campfire that they didn't fully extinguish?

When Calls the Heart airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and is available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.

Related: Is Erin Krakow Pregnant? Everything You Need to Know About the 'When Calls Heart' Star's Baby Boom

Hence then, the article about who started the goldie national park fire on when calls the heart all the top suspects updated was published today ( Monday 19/01/2026 - 08:13 AM ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Who Started the Goldie National Park Fire on 'When Calls the Heart'? All the Top Suspects (Updated) )

Also on site :

• Russian hockey legend Ovechkin refuses to wear LGBT tape
• After the Fire, Hope Valley Faces Its First Reckoning in 'When Calls the Heart' Season 13 Episode 3
• Target’s New Woodsy Comforter Set Delivers Moody Coziness