RCMP are investigating after three separate fires were set in dumpsters and recyclable materials in north Nanaimo early Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 14.
The first fire occurred at Woodgrove Centre shortly before 1:30 a.m. Monday and was knocked down with fire extinguishers by mall security before firefighters arrived.
Two more fires were set in dumpsters at the ABC Family Restaurant and the McDonald’s trash storage area on Mary Ellen Drive at about 1 a.m. Tuesday.
“The dumpster fire burned the contents of the garbage dumpster and that’s about it,” said Capt. Ennis Mond, head of Nanaimo Fire Rescue’s fire and loss prevention division. “So, is there something going on in that area? Probably. We’ve had the Woodgrove one and these two.”
Mond said there was no monetary loss or serious damage from the fires, which have all been turned over to police for investigation.
“Having three dumpster fires in close proximity to each other late at night, we believe probably one or two people are involved and we’re hoping to stop this before it gets contagious and spreads to other areas, so we’re asking for the public’s assistance,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
Mond said he plans to ask night security at nearby construction sites keep an eye out for suspicious activity as well.
Anyone with information about the fires or who might be setting them is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
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