RCMP say they've arrested a contractor seen breaking into a safe left behind in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood of Fort McMurray Thursday.

Beacon Hill is one of the communities hit hardest by the wildfire on May 3 and is now a restricted area.

The 33-year-old Quebec man has been released, but is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 7, police say.

The safe was left behind by a resident forced to flee the wildfire during the evacuation of the city one month ago, but there were no items in the safe, police said.

"Make no mistake, the RCMP will protect this community from harm," said Supt. Rob McCloy in a media release Friday.

"We are committed to remaining on the job for you, as we have throughout this challenging time."

It's the first time police have arrested anyone in Fort McMurray since an arrest on May 6, shortly after the evacuation of the northern Alberta community, RCMP said.