7 fires in South Edmonton suspected of arson: EPS

Police believe several fires in Edmonton this year are the result of arson and are asking communities to remain vigilant.

On Friday, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said it was investigating seven suspicious fires in south Edmonton.

The first fire was in Strathearn in May, EPS said, and six more have since been reported in Cloverdale, King Edward Park and Holyrood.

Police do not believe there is a link with fires and extortions of South Asian house builders.

Residents in the affected areas are being asked to come forward with any information about suspicious activity in their community or security camera footage that could help.

“While we are unsure at this time if these incidents are related, we are actively investigating seven suspected fires where fortunately no one was injured,” said EPS Acting Staff Sgt. Chantelle Kortbeek.

“While this investigation continues, we ask residents to be alert to unusual activity in their neighborhood. Reporting these activities will assist our efforts to identify and arrest the suspect or suspects committing these arsons.”

Officers will patrol affected neighborhoods, EPS said, and residents are encouraged to ensure doorbell cameras are registered and working.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said there have been 656 structure fires in Edmonton so far this year. Researchers found that 202 of them were deliberately placed.

Anyone with information can call police from a cell phone at 780-423-4567 or #311.

Anonymous information can be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.