Two suspicious fires prompt warning from North Van RCMP

North Vancouver RCMP has issued a public warning after receiving two reports of suspicious fires yesterday in the Norgate neighbourhood.

On March 26, North Vancouver RCMP was alerted by the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services of two suspicious fires in the 1300 block of Sowden Street.  Fire crews were called around 2:30 p.m. after a homeowner smelled smoke and noted his 10-foot hedges fully engulfed in flames.

In the second incident, a passerby called fire crews after noticing hedges on fire in front of a different home in the same block just before 3:00 p.m.  Both fires were put out by fire crews before they reached the residences. In both cases, witnesses reported seeing three 10-—to 12-year-old boys loitering in the area before the fires were set. Police treat both fires as suspicious and conduct neighbourhood canvasses to further the investigation.

 “The act of intentionally setting a fire is not only dangerous but can also have criminal consequences,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP. “With an anticipated hot and dry summer season rapidly approaching, we’re appealing to everyone to be extra vigilant when enjoying the outdoors due to the high risks associated with wildfire season.”

 With weather conditions changing frequently in the summer months, extra attentiveness is required to protect North Vancouver’s public spaces. “Currently, our North Shore fire danger rating is considered to be ‘Low,’ but under no circumstances should anyone be intentionally lighting a fire to cause damage,” said Conrad Breakey, Captain of Public Safety for the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.

“Fires can start easily, spread rapidly and be hard to control. Open burning is banned all year in the District, and it’s paramount that people use extreme caution when engaging in activities like barbequing, which could potentially risk starting a fire.”