OPP seeks public info on series of suspicious fires

OPP cruiser and police tape

THE COUNTIES, Ontario - The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry (SDG) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit is releasing additional information related to several cases of arson in our region.

The SD&G OPP Crime Unit is investigating a series of 18 suspicious fires in the area over the past four months.

The OPP issued an appeal for public assistance pm December 13, 2022, one day after a suspicious fire at a vacant building in South Glengarry. This was the second fire at this location in the past two weeks.

The OPP is working with the local fire departments and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office in an attempt to determine possible relationships between the fires.

The fires, in and around Glengarry and Stormont areas of SD&G started this summer. Most have involved vacant buildings, primarily in Glengarry.

Investigators are urging the public to report any suspicious vehicles or people in their community and are offering the following tips for owners of vacant buildings:

  • Secure unlocked structures.
  • Consider motion sensing cameras.
  • Ask neighbours to watch the property; and
  • Make regular visits to view the property.

Anyone with information regarding the fires can contact Detective Constable Lise Durocher or Detective Constable Kirk Cullen of the SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

If someone wishes to remain anonymous, call Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) You can also submit a TIP online at seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca