The writing left on a fence raises further suspicions about a fire that scorched the property Sunday night.  (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

garage fire

Landlord says scorched property was ready for new owners

Jun 2, 2020 | 12:00 PM

A Prince Albert landlord says he has no doubt a fire that consumed a garage and two vehicles in Prince Albert’s west flat neighbourhood was deliberately set, but he does not know why.

Al Beaton has been living at the residence in the 800 block of 17th St. W. since last December when he bought it, and has been working hard since to re-model it for sale. Beaton however was not home when the fire department arrived on scene Sunday night, and found the garage fully engulfed with a vehicle inside, and a second vehicle on fire nearby.

The fire was observed moving to the adjacent home, but fortunately the fire crew was able to extinguish the flames and save the house from any serious damage.

“I sold it and they were supposed to take possession [on Monday],” Beaton said.

A view of the property from the back alley. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

18h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

19h ago

Crime

Dangerous driving report at Red Wing, leads to arrest of man with gun

22h ago

Beaton said when he arrived on scene Sunday, he was informed by a neighbour she had talked to a young man earlier in the day, who indicated he was going to “light some fires tonight.” About an hour later, the garage and vehicle were on fire.

“I have been renting houses and buying for just about 60 years, and that’s the first time I’ve ever had a fire at a house,” Beaton said.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

A spokesperson for the Prince Albert Police Service informed paNOW on Tuesday the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and there have been no arrests.

The spokesperson was also unable to confirm if there was any connection to the other six structures fires in the area in the last two weeks.

–

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell