Image: CFJC Today file photo / Mounties in North Vancouver say witnesses report seeing three male youth between the ages of 10 and 12 loitering around the time of two suspicious fires Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 26).

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

North Vancouver RCMP

North Vancouver RCMP say 3 underage boys may have been involved in 2 suspicious fires

Mar 27, 2024 | 3:25 PM

NORTH VANCOUVER — Mounties in North Vancouver say witnesses report seeing three male youth between the ages of 10 and 12 loitering around the time of two suspicious fires Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 26).

According to a news release from the detachment, North Vancouver RCMP were alerted by the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services of two suspicious fires in the 1300 block of Sowden Street Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews were dispatched 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 3:00 p.m. Both fires were put out by fire crews before they reached the residences.

In both of these cases, witnesses reported seeing three 10-12-year-old boys loitering in the area prior to the fires being set. Police are treating both incidents 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, spokesperson for the 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, police say extra attentiveness is required to ensure North Vancouver’s public spaces are protected.

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“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.”