Port Alberni RCMP has an incident but no suspect to attach it to yet after someone tried to deliberately torch a house.
Firefighters answered to call of a fire in the 4700 Block of Redford Street at just after 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 after the homeowners heard a suspicious noise, went to check it and found flames coming from the residence exterior.
“The homeowner managed to extinguish the bulk of the blaze with a garden hose and contained the blaze until the fire department got there,” RCMP Cpl. Jen Allan said.
A police dog team was brought in and both evidence and further investigation by fire and police personnel has determined that the blaze was intentionally set.
“An accelerant and other evidence was found that caused investigators conclude that the fire was intentionally set,” Allan said.
The homeowners never reported any disputes nor are they known to police, Allan said.
No other similar incidents have been reported late either, she added.
Police have determined that the incident is random and not targeted but don’t have a suspect. “We want the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons,” Allan said. “We’re also asking people to safely store any potential accelerants.”
Police don’t have a suspect but are canvassing the neighbourhood and area in an attempt to hunt down a lead.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com