‘Very concerned’: Mounties investigate series of ‘suspicious’ grass fires

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A concerning situation appears to be developing in the area around Mosquito Creek in North Vancouver.

Police are investigating four grass fires in that area which they consider suspicious.

In one case, Corporal Richard De Jong says homes were actually at risk.

“One of the fires spread very quickly from the hedge on a property to a nearby tree,” he says. “Flames were shooting upwards of 60 feet in the air, posing a direct threat to nearby homes.”

De Jong says this situation has officers very concerned, but adds investigators have identified suspects.

” With our investigation we’ve identified two individuals that may be of interest to this investigation so we’re asking the public to be aware of them.”

The pair, De Jong says, was seen around the fire area.

The first is described as a Caucasian man who is approximately 19 years old with severe acne on his face and who was wearing grey shorts. The second is described as a 5’6″ tall “Indo-Canadian” man. Police say he was wearing a black hood, jeans, shoes and baseball cap, with an Oakland Raiders t-shirt.

The Mounties say this situation is especially concerning as we head into the dry season. “We’re considering that with the warmer summer months coming up that we all need to be very proactive and protective of our forests and property here on the North Shore.

The current fire danger rating is set to “Moderate,” but De Jong says that could quickly change.

“Even though we have some rain this weekend. We all know that once we get some hot, dry weather upon us that the forest can be tinder dry very quickly, and all it takes is someone careless or somebody intentional to cause a potential disaster.”

Investigators are urging anyone who may see anything suspicious, or who has any information on these fires, to contact police.

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