Multiple fires in Sioux Lookout may have been ‘intentionally set’
Tim Brody - Editor
Sioux Lookout OPP and the Sioux Lookout Fire Department have responded to four fires within the Municipality this month.
Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police shared in a May 20 news release that, “On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at approximately 6:00 pm, emergency services responded to a fire at a seven-unit apartment building on Prince Street, in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it was determined to have originated outside the apartments.
“On Thursday, May 12, 2021, at approximately 6:30 pm, police and fire crews responded to a fire in a woodpile behind a residence on Prince Street. A lighter and matches were found in the immediate vicinity.
“On Wednesday, May 13, 2021, at approximately 4:30 pm, police and fire crews responded to a substantial fire in the bush behind a residence on Cedar Crescent. Fire crews advised that the fire may have been intentionally set, and noted observing a group of youth leaving the area.
“On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at approximately 10:00 pm, police and fire crews again responded to a substantial fire in a woodpile behind a church on First Avenue, which closed First Avenue to traffic while crews attended.”
“Intentionally set fires are not a joking matter. Beyond mischief, individuals who intentionally cause damage by fire to a property that is not owned by themselves may be charged with the Criminal Code offence of Arson,” Sioux Lookout OPP shared.
Anyone with information about these occurrences is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. People can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or report online through https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/, where they may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
“For the safety and wellbeing of our community, individuals are encouraged to be respectful of fire and practice fire safety. Fire safety tips can be found on the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs website, at https://www.oafc.on.ca/spring-summer-fire-safety-tips. Current forest fire conditions and warnings can be reviewed on the Government of Ontario webpage, https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires#section-1,” Sioux Lookout OPP informed.
