NORTH Vancouver RCMP on Wednesday issued a public warning after receiving two reports of suspicious fires yesterday in the Norgate neighborhood. 

On March 26, North Vancouver RCMP were alerted by 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 home owner 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 a different home in the same block just before 3 p.m.  Both fires were put out by fire crews before they reached the residences. 

In both of these cases, witnesses reported seeing three 10- to 12-year-old boys loitering in the area prior to the fires being set. Police are treating both fires as suspicious and conducting neighborhood 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 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 ensure North Vancouver’s public spaces are protected, say authorities.

“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 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, that could potentially risk starting a fire.”