Four “intentionally set fires” in the Town of St. Paul kept firefighters busy Sunday night, said fire chief Trevor Kotowich, by phone interview on Monday morning.
“If not for the rapid response of our fire department, these fires could have ended differently because of the locations of buildings and overhead power lines,” said Kotowich. Two trucks and at least 10 firefighters were kept busy for an hour and a half on Sunday night.
Two fires were set inside garbage bins located about a block and a half apart. Another fire was started on a trampoline in the back yard of a residence, reported Kotowich.
“The fourth one I discovered while conducting a patrol of the northwest corner of town. Some sort of ignitable fluid was poured on the cement and lit on fire,” Kotowich said.
Although there is no major structural damage so far, Kotowich is very concerned about the fires spreading to other areas. He will be visiting businesses in the area this week to talk with them about placing their dumpsters away from buildings and power lines.
There have been 14 suspicious mischief fires set in the town since June, Kotowich said. “I do believe it’s the same individual or group of individuals.”
The St. Paul Fire Department has been working closely with the RCMP since June. Things seemed to quiet down for the last three weeks but “they sure made up for it last night,” said Kotowich.
Cpl. Jocelyn Cardinal with St. Paul RCMP said in addition to the four fires there was also a complaint of firecrackers or fireworks being set off.
“We’ve had numerous fires in the area over the last couple of months, unfortunately we have no suspects and no leads at this time,” said Cardinal. She confirmed RCMP is working with the fire department during the investigation.
The Town is offering a $500 reward through the Crime Stoppers program, said CAO Ron Boisvert. Any information can be referred to RCMP through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or directly to the St. Paul RCMP Detachment at (780) 645-8870.
