By Tiffany Cassidy

PA sees increase in structure fires

Jul 6, 2012 | 7:10 AM

This year has seen an above normal amount of structure fires in Prince Albert. Since Jan. 1 there have been 49.

“We’ve had more house fires in this quarter than we’ve seen in the past,” said Deputy Fire Chief Joe Zatylny. “For a variety of reasons.”

Zatylny said the fires have no specific link. They could be caused by improper wiring in a home, or a child playing with matches.

Prince Albert has already seen two structure fires in the month of July. The most recent one was early Wednesday morning. Both are still under investigation, but officials say there is no current evidence to tie them together.

Sergeant Kelly McLean said the police department investigates every fire along with the Fire Department, but it’s not always easy to find the cause.

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“Fires are notoriously difficult to find that physical evidence,” he said.

The last fire with suspicious cause in Prince Albert was in May. A young male was charged with setting fire to a building at the 500 block of 8th St. East.

Police begin investigating the scene as soon as they have secured everyone’s safety.

“Once we’re there and the scene is cleared we’re drilling down into the cause,” said McLean.

Ten Prince Albert fires have been considered suspicious this year.

The increased amount of structure fires is mostly due to the nine reported in January and 11 in March.

Since April, the fires have actually been on par with the years previous. Since 2010 exactly 22 structure fires were reported each April through June period.

Zatylny said he hopes the numbers will average off to be equal to the other years.

“It’s just been uniquely busy,” he said.

news@panow.com