Arson has been the leading cause of fires in Edmonton for the last 12 years and historically accounts for about 30 per cent of fires that Edmonton Fire Rescue responds to annually. Police have noticed a seasonal effect on the number of reported arsons and this trend continues in 2013. There is a significant increase in arson at the beginning of spring between the months of April and June.
“When spring arrives, grass and fields are usually dry which makes it easy for a small spark to turn into a fire,” says Staff Sgt. Howard Kunce of Arson Unit. “Even a lit cigarette butt thrown by someone walking down a back alley onto the dry elements can easily get out of hand and spread to nearby properties.”
Arson is a difficult crime to solve because fire can easily destroy key evidence. It is crucial for the public to report suspicious activity and property damage so police can keep track of this important information.
“Even if you think there isn’t too much damage and not much harm was done, think again,” says Staff Sgt. Kunce. “What you may not realize is that other neighbours in your area may also have been victimized. Also, arsonists who start small fires typically progress to setting larger and more dangerous fires, so it is important for these crimes to be reported so that police can hopefully prevent future arsons.”
Arson prevention tips
- Store all flammable materials safely.
- Garbage, leaves, lumber and bulky waste like mattresses and couches should be disposed of properly.
- Put all garbage in sealed bags and place in a can.
- Put your garbage out on the day of your pick up.
- If you see garbage lying on the ground or roadway, pick it up and place in a garbage can.
- Firewood should be kept away from the house or garage.
- Place adequate lighting around your home and garage so arsonists have nowhere to hide.
- If there is a fire in your area, inform investigators of any suspicious persons or activities that you may have noticed.
- If you see any suspicious persons in your area, call the police complaint line at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
- If you witness ANY crime in progress or if you witness a fire, phone 911 immediately.
The Edmonton Police Service is still looking to the public for information on the following unsolved arsons:
- LifeStyle Options Whitemud Retirement Community
- May 31, 2009 at approximately 3 a.m.
- Estimated $31 million in damage
- Entire building had to be torn down
- MacEwan house complex with 149 units
- July 21, 2007 around 5:20 a.m.
- Estimated $20 million in damage
- Damaged 98 houses
