Residents are becoming increasingly concerned after a third fire in the same Guelph neighbourhood in less than a week.
The fire in a Trailbrook Lane garage on Tuesday was spotted by a passerby and quickly put out by fire crews. There were no injuries.
On Saturday a fire caused extensive damage to four homes on Grange Road and last Wednesday a camper was destroyed and a home was damaged.
Guelph Police Sgt. Doug Pflug says "Right now we've conducted an extensive investigation into the three fires and we can confirm that they are suspicious in nature and the investigation is ongoing at this time."
While the fires are being treated as independent incidents, police are looking at whether they were deliberately set and if there are links between the three.
Guelph Police Det. Staff-Sgt. Patrick Milligan says "We are looking at any linkages that may exist between the fires and as a result put together an investigative team to focus on that."
That special team is currently waiting for some results from the current investigation.
Patrols in the neighbourhood are being stepped up and police will be going door to door to distribute information on fire prevention.
Pflug says "We would really encourage the community in that area to bond together, and if you do see anyone or anything suspicious…call us and we'll dispatch our officers accordingly."
Many local residents didn't want to speak on camera out of fear the fires have been deliberately set and that they could become targets.
Police have set up dedicated contacts for non-emergency information. Call 519-824-1212 Ext. 339, email CIB@police.guelph.on.ca or Tweet with the hashtag #guelphfires.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with any information.
Guelph Councillor Cam Guthrie is also offering a reward, paid from his own pocket, for tips in the case.
