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Oak Bay police have ‘significant lead’ in three suspicious fires

Oak Bay police are investigating after three fires in three days – two believed to be set – in the 2000 block of Frederick Norris Road.
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The Oak Bay Police Department is investigating a series of fires on Frederick Norris Road. (Christine van Reeuwyk/Oak Bay News)

Oak Bay police are investigating after three fires in three days – two believed to be set – in the 2000 block of Frederick Norris Road.

“The Oak Bay fire and police departments have spoken to number of residents on Frederick Norris Road to ensure they are aware of the situation and that general fire safety practices are in place,” said Chief Const. Andy Brinton, Oak Bay Police Department. “The departments are working together to determine the cause of these fires and to identify any similar incidents in the area.”

Oak Bay fire was called to three fires in the 2000 Block of Frederick Norris Road over a three day period. On Tuesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. the fire department extinguished a vehicle on fire in a carport. On Thursday, July 26 at 12:20 p.m. a fire in a small wood pile was reported at another residence on the street. Residents put that fire out with a garden hose, and the Oak Bay Fire Department attended to ensure the fire was out and to identify the possible cause. Later that day, around 6:30 p.m. a neighbour noted a wooden compost box to be on fire in the backyard of the same house where the car fire took place. A neighbour was able to put that fire out with a garden hose and the fire department attended to ensure the fire was out and to assess possible cause.

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“While we have not confirmed that all three fires were set, at this point we do feel that that two were,” said Brinton, Oak Bay Police Department. “It is recognized that these circumstances will be concerning to the community, in particular those living in the immediate neighbourhood.”

The Forensics Identification Section has been brought in and the police are working closely with the fire investigators. OBPD says it has a “significant lead”.

“Efforts are underway to pursue this and to ensure public safety is maintained. No further information can be provided on the investigation at this time,” Brinton said. “While the fires confirmed as set were small in nature and there is much work being done to address this situation, the public are asked to continue to be good neighbours and keep an eye one each other’s properties. Please continue to report any suspicious activity.”


 
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

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Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

I'm dedicated to serving the community of Oak Bay as a senior journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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