The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor RCMP are searching for a mystery arsonist who lit a parked van ablaze Monday, putting nearby homes, garages and vehicles at risk. Early that afternoon, firefighters were dispatched to the north end of Church St. where flames were visible inside an older blue van. "If it wasn't for the very quick response of the fire department and the individual that called it in, that fire would have spread, for sure, to the adjacent buildings and vehicles," said Fire Chief Jim Petrie. The fire proved no match for firefighters, who deployed two fire extinguishers along with a healthy dose of water to ensure the flames had been snuffed. They were on scene about 20 minutes. Malicious Petrie has no doubt the fire was malicious. "The van was totally closed up. It was deliberate," he said. Petrie said the fire was started from inside the van on the front passenger's seat. "I suspect it was a cigarette or something to that effect," he said. Petrie promptly notified the RCMP, who are now investigating the matter. He said the van, parked amongst wooden garages near the bottom of the hill on Church St., was inoperable at the time of the fire. But the owner had plans to refurbish the vehicle, the fire chief added. RCMP ask anyone with information on the arson to contact them at 687-1423 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and may become eligible for a cash reward.
