Man arrested after series of fires

WATERLOO — A Kitchener man has been arrested after several small fires were lit in Waterloo buildings on Wednesday and Thursday.

The first fires started between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday in washroom trash cans at Crabby Joe’s at 65 University Ave. E. and Starbucks at 428 King St. N., Waterloo Regional Police said.

Staff quickly put out the fires.

At 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday, a fire was started in the biology building at the University of Waterloo, police said.

UW reported that several other fires were lit early Thursday morning.

“My understanding is that fire impacted six different buildings,” UW spokesperson Matthew Grant said in an email on Thursday.

The university closed parts of three buildings and temporarily relocated several classes.

“The fire department successfully extinguished all fires,” UW said on its website. It said damage was minimal.

“Some buildings may show evidence of the fire department’s activities or have a residual campfire-type odour,” UW said. “If you have concerns about your workplace or class, you should contact your supervisor or the safety office.”

No one was injured as a result of the fires.

In the early morning hours on Thursday, police arrested a 27-year-old Kitchener man. He faces several charges.