Overview
- Fire Chief David Lazenby said eight suspicious construction-site fires since September are under investigation, with Deputy Police Chief Nicole Chapdelaine confirming at least six as arson and noting proactive patrols have increased.
- The most recent blazes struck Nov. 2 in Glenora (132 Street and 102 Avenue) and Belgravia (72 Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive), heavily damaging two nearly complete homes and a neighbouring bungalow; no injuries were reported and one house was later torn down.
- Investigators are asking residents to review footage from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sept. 15 and 23, Oct. 18, 21, 26 and 29, and Nov. 2, and to call (780)-423-4567 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers with tips.
- Police say it has not been confirmed the incidents are connected, and they currently see no link to Project Gaslight, a separate series of extortion attempts and arsons targeting South Asian builders.
- Builders report installing cameras and hiring security at active sites while neighbours express fear, as officials warn the fires pose unacceptable risks to nearby residents and responding firefighters.