According to Prince Albert's Acting Deputy Fire Chief, garbage bins remain the number one target for arsonists. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Hot summer

Arson cases on the rise in P.A.

Sep 11, 2019 | 8:15 AM

The City of Prince Albert may have a pest problem, in the form of some fire bugs.

According to the most recent statistics provided by the Prince Albert Police Service, there has been a 35 per cent increase in arson cases this year over last year at this time. Acting Deputy Chief Alex Paul told paNOW there has not been one specific target.

“I think in terms of our numbers, garbage cans are the highest statistic but we are seeing vehicles, outbuildings, garages, houses too,” he said.

Last month’s report revealed there have been 23 arsons so far this year, compared to 17 for the same amount of months in 2018.

Abandoned, boarded up homes have been an easy target. There are currently 16 boarded up homes in the city. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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Paul said the fire department largely plays a reactionary role when dealing with fires, but added they have been proactive in the schools, teaching students about fire safety. When asked to comment on the increase in offences, Paul said the numbers were not alarming.

“It’s a slight increase we are seeing right now. It would be nice to see that trend decrease but next year we will see,” he said.

For the month of August, there were five arson cases, compared to three in August, 2018.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell