Nanaimo Mounties are investigating suspicious grass fires.
According to police two fires, so far, have been set in a field near 357 Howard Ave. The most recent blaze happened Monday at about 3:30 p.m. The first fire was reported Wednesday.
Neither fire caused significant damage and were both quickly extinguished, but a witness reported seeing a man running away from the area of Monday’s fire. The witness ran to the fire location and tried, but was unable, to stop the suspect. The witness stomped on the fire which was later doused with water by Nanaimo Fire Rescue.
The suspect of Monday’s fire is white, 18-22, approximately six feet tall with short, dark hair. He was wearing a dark shirt and had a white backpack slung over his shoulder.
The fire on Wednesday was reported at about 5:40 a.m. when a witness saw a man dressed all in black with a backpack walk through the field and then crouch down. Seconds later a fire started up. Firefighters responded within minutes and were able to quickly bring the fire under control.
“It appears both fires were intentionally set,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in a press release. “If not for alert witnesses and the quick response of City of Nanaimo fire crews, both fires had the potential to spread and cause significant damage to nearby homes.”
Anyone with information about these fires is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.