Nanaimo RCMP issue warning after series of suspicious fires
Police and firefighters in Nanaimo are encouraging residents to be on the lookout as RCMP investigate multiple suspicious fires that recently took place in the city's downtown.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, more than 20 suspicious fires have been set in the downtown area over the past three months.
Police say most of the incidents have been minor and generally involve cardboard or other combustible materials being lit inside dumpsters.
However, a fire that took place on June 4 was much more dangerous, according to police, and could have caused "significant damage" to a business if had been allowed to spread.
The fire occurred beside a business on Cliff Street and was doused by firefighters, say police.
"The biggest concern we have is combustible materials stored outside businesses overnight. Most are added to dumpsters that are not secured," said Nanaimo fire chief Tim Doyle in a release Tuesday.
"These need to be locked and the waste material disposed of or removed from the site daily," he said.
RCMP say police and fire investigators are coordinating their work, especially since fire crews are often the first on scene at a fire.
"As a result, they play an integral role in the preservation and collection of forensic evidence and in identifying possible suspects and witnesses to the incident," said Nanaimo RCMP on Tuesday.
Police are also asking for business owners and residents to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour because some firebugs may examine potential fire sites before they act.
"To date, our officers have identified several persons of interest who may be responsible for some of these fires," said Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. "There are still many fires that remain unsolved and this is troubling."
Anyone with information on any of the fires is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
To protect your property from fires, fire chief Doyle has several tips:
- Ensure cardboard, pallets, used cooking oil, containers, Styrofoam or packing materials are removed
- Practise good housekeeping rules by cleaning out next to buildings, alcoves and alleyways
- Keep lawns mowed and other landscaping maintained to reduce flammable objects around businesses and residences
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.