3 suspicious fires in same block

Oak Bay police investigate blazes at car, woodpile, compost box

Oak Bay firefighters have responded to three suspicious fires in the same block of Frederick Norris Road in the past three days.

Firefighters extinguished a car fire in the 2000 block of Frederick Norris Road, which is off Henderson Road near the University of Victoria, on Tuesday morning.

On Thursday at 12:20 p.m., they were called to a fire in a small woodpile in a carport. Although residents extinguished the small fire with a garden hose, firefighters attended to make sure it wouldn’t spread and to find a possible cause.

That evening at 6:30, a neighbour noted a wooden compost box on fire in the backyard of the house where the car had been on fire.

A garden hose was used to extinguish the blaze. Firefighters made sure it was out and looked for a possible cause.

The Oak Bay Fire Department and police have spoken to number of people on the street to make sure they are aware of the situation and that general fire safety practices are in place.

The departments are working together to determine the cause of the fires and to identify any similar incidents in the area.

“While we have not confirmed that all three fires were set, at this point, we do feel that two were,” said Chief Const. Andy Brinton of Oak Bay police.

“It is recognized that these circumstances will be concerning to the community, in particular those living in the immediate neighbourhood. This situation is being actively investigated.”

Brinton said he believes the fire in the woodpile and the fire in the compost box were deliberately set.

Forensic identification officers have been brought in and the police are working closely with the fire investigators. They have received information “providing a solid avenue of investigation,” said Brinton.

Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of the public. However, Brinton said, no further information can be provided on the investigation at this time.

“The public are asked to continue to be good neighbours and keep an eye on each other’s properties,” he said. “Please continue to report any suspicious activity.”