Police say they have a identified a person suspected of starting a series of fires in East Trail on Monday night.
The case began shortly before 10 p.m. when regional firefighters were called to the scene of a fire at the corner of Third Avenue and McQuarrie Street.
Sgt. Mike Wicentowich says this first fire was noticed by an off-duty firefighter who contacted the department, and then attempted to put it out with snow.
Captain Jason Milne confirmed two cedar trees, located outside inFocus Fitness, were found burning when a three-man crew from Station 374 Trail arrived at 10:02 p.m.
The crew quickly extinguished the flames and subsequently returned to the hall.
Then, 45 minutes later, a second report of fire had the team back on scene, where they found two more trees and two garage doors on fire on the adjacent building.
“Kootenay Boundary fire rescue attended and extinguished all of the fires and contacted the RCMP due to their suspicious nature,” Wicentowich said.
No one was injured, but there was minor fire and smoke damage to one building and two garage doors.
“All (the) fires were believed to be intentionally set,” confirmed Wicentowich.
“Evidence is being collected and a suspect has been identified.”
The Trail and Greater District Detachment GIS (General Investigation Section) has been assigned to investigate the matter.
GIS is looking to speak to any witnesses that may have seen the fires being lit.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Trail and Greater District detachment at 250.364.2566.
The Trail Times asked the sergeant if there is any known connection between these latest cases and the string of intentionally lit fires along Columbia Avenue during Silver City Days.
“At this time, the RCMP cannot confirm if these fires were connected to others that occurred early this year,” he replied. “However, (we) will be investigating this possibility.”
newsroom@trailtimes.ca
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