DRPS is looking for a suspect after a series of fires in downtown Oshawa.
Police were called to an address on Richmond Street West at 3 a.m. Monday. They say the fire caused about $100,000 in smoke, fire and water damage.
Oshawa deputy fire chief Todd Wood said this is the ninth suspicious fire in the area since Sept. 12.
He said most of the associated fires have been garbage and dumpster fires. However, Wood said authorities responded to a fire in a commercial building on Sept. 21. that was also ruled suspicious.
“When you’re responding to four fires in a night, they don’t start by themselves,” said Wood. He adds the vicinity and suspected causes indicate the fires may be caused by the same person.
Police said a person was seen throwing something at the Richmond Street address prior to the fire. Wood said while there were cameras in the effected areas, it’s unknown if this person was recorded.
This number of fire calls is unusual, according to Wood. “It’s out of the norm,” he said. “I would say it’s an escalation.”
However, he has a message for people in the neighbourhood. “Be a little diligent. Be aware of your surroundings.”
Anyone with information about these fires is encouraged to call Det.-Const. Corey Hartry at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2732. People can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
