Ottawa police are investigating another overnight fire in Stittsville early Wednesday –the west Ottawa community’s fifth suspicious blaze since September.
Fire crews got the call at 12:40 a.m. for a blaze at Hobin St. and Pullman Ave., near A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School.
A small amount of garbage put out for collection — rolled up carpets, according to unconfirmed reports — had been set on fire and was quickly extinguished.
“It was called in by a resident on Hobin St. and reported that it looked like something was burning…and that two youths were watching it,” said Ottawa Fire spokesman Marc Messier.
The call was transferred to police so they could get a description of the teenagers — two boys in dark clothing — who fled the scene before fire fighters showed up.
Cops say they haven’t ruled out arson, but aren’t writing it off as mischief just yet.
“At the moment we don’t believe it is related to the other fires,” said Sgt. David Christie.
Four suspicious fires have been set in the last eight weeks alone at three homes under construction and one school portable.
Wednesday’s fire is about 2.5 km from the portable classroom torched at Sacred Heart Catholic High School Sept. 14, which caused $100,000 in damage.
Anyone with information can contact the arson unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 4373 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).
http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/10/26/garbage-set-ablaze-in-stittsville
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