Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Queens District RCMP are investigating 5 suspicious fire events that have occurred over the weekend.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 Queens District RCMP responded to two cottages on fire in the Donaldston area. East River, Charlottetown and North Shore Fire Departments were also dispatched to this scene. The PEI Fire Marshal was called in, along with RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and RCMP Major Crime Unit.
On Saturday, November 25, 2023 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Queens District RCMP responded to another fire at a cottage in the Stanhope area. Witnesses called 9-1-1 seeing the cottage fully engulfed in flames. North Shore Fire Department was on scene and again the PEI Fire Marshal, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and RCMP Major Crime Unit were asked to assist. In this instance, RCMP Police Dog Services were also called in.
PEI RCMP attended a residence in the Scotchfort area that same evening after a homeowner called 9-1-1 to report suspicious burn marks around their home. The home sustained only minor damage and no fire services were called in.
Finally, PEI RCMP were advised by Parks Canada early morning on Sunday, November 26, 2023 that a lifeguard building was destroyed by fire at Stanhope Beach. RCMP Police Dog Services and the RCMP Provincial General Investigative Section are on scene.
All of these incidents are being investigated by Queens District RCMP, RCMP Major Crime Unit and Provincial General Investigative Section, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Queens District RCMP at 902-368-9300 or PEI Crime Stoppers at 1-877-222-TIPS (8477).
Cottage owners are reminded to:
- Secure all windows and doors in cottages and outbuildings. Consider additional security measures such as dead bolts or window bars;
- Turn off all utilities including water, electricity and/or gas if possible;
- If you can, consider installing a security system with cameras and alarms to deter trespassers and notify you or the authorities of any unusual activity;
If you have neighbours, ask them to help keep an eye on your property and reporting anything suspicious.