THUNDER BAY – Three suspicious south side backyard fires that broke out in a span of less than two hours earlier this week are under investigation by city police and the fire marshal.
The Thunder Bay Police Service confirmed their criminal investigations branch, along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, are probing the overnight fires from early Wednesday morning that all occurred within the range of a few blocks.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue crews were called to the first blaze, on the 300 block of Brodie Street South at 1:12 a.m. on South Brodie Street, where a shed at the rear of the yard was fully engulfed in flames. The fire spread through the fence to the adjoining yard, where a snow machine was damage. Power lines were also damaged.
The second fire was called in at 2:29 a.m. on the 200 block of Archibald Street South, where a playhouse structure at the back of the property was consumed by flames.
Those firefighters then observed a third incident on the 400 block of Archibald Street South at 3:04 a.m., who had to help evacuate the homeowner after the attached garage was on fire.
One day earlier fire investigator Timothy Irish described the incidents as suspicious.
"When you have three fire events within in area that is closely related, it is obviously of concern," Irish said on Wednesday.
Police are advising residents to ensure buildings and sheds are secure with flammable and combustible materials stored in safe places. They are also urging that any observations of suspicious people in back lanes, especially during overnight hours, be immediately reported to police so the area can be checked.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
