A picture taken on May 12 as a fire fighter moves to a higher elevation to combat the flames. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fire investigation

Midtown fire investigation turned over to police, arson suspected

May 25, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The investigation into a fire, that claimed two homes in Prince Albert’s midtown neighbourhood, has been turned over to the Prince Albert Police Service.

The confirmation from a fire department spokesperson, was provided to paNOW Thursday afternoon. No other details were shared, but suggest as previously suspected, the fire on May 12 was deliberately set.

On the day of the fire, crews were called to the 400 block of 11th St. E. The fire, which originated in a grassy area behind a brown, brick house, quickly spread to the structure before moving to the green house next door as well.

Fortunately no one was hurt.

A picture taken from behind the second home involved. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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At the time of the fire, neighbours who were standing on the curb watching, described the brick home as a source of multiple problems. The family living in the green house, a man and his two daughters, were not home at the time. However their two cats were and perished.

An online fundraiser has been launched to help the family and has of Thursday, raised close to $5,000. When contacted by paNOW, a spokesperson for the family thanked everyone who has reached out in anyway they could.

Roughly five hours after the house fires, the fire department responded to the 500 block of 10th St. E. for a report of a person lighting a grass fire.

Upon arrival the individual was apprehended by police before they could get the fire started. It’s not clear yet if the two fires are in any way related beyond their near one block proximity to each other.

Multiple attempts have been made to reach out to the Prince Albert Police Service for comment, but there had been no response by the publishing deadline.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell