Three houses in the South Slope area of Vancouver are believed to have been targeted by suspicious fires that police say are the result of an ongoing gang conflict.
Constable Brian Montague with Vancouver police says suspects used Molotov cocktails and accelerants to start the fires.
The first fire took place in the early morning hours of September 2 at a home on E. 61st Avenue near Knight Street.
The residents woke up to a loud noise and flames inside their living room.
The fire was put out quickly, but the building sustained significant damage.
The second fire occurred two days later at a house just a block away, on E. 62nd Avenue. It was allegedly set at about 3:40 in the morning to the detached garage of the house.
The third fire was set early Tuesday morning at about 4 a.m. at the rear of a home in the same area as the first two arsons.
The fire caused minor damage to the garage.
Montague says all fires appear to be linked, but police believe the third residence was not the intended target.
The fires range in severity from minor to significant.
“There could have been some life-threatening injuries,” says Montague.
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In all three cases, the suspects fled on motorcycles.
Montague says more than one suspect was seen, and potentially multiple motorcycles were involved.
Police are concerned about the arsons because of the potential loss of not only property, but life as well.
“The neighbourhood is on the edge,” adds Montague.
He says arsons can be used by conflicting gang groups as a retaliation tool, but also as an intimidation technique.
Montague says they have done video canvassing in the area and are hoping to talk to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious.
“If you heard or saw a motorcycle, we would be interested in that information. Obviously, a motorcycle is more unique than a car driving by,” he says.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Vancouver Police Major Crime Section at (604) 717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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