Arson fires spike in Regina neighbourhood

REGINA – In the span of four days, there have been four house fires blamed on arson in the city’s North Central neighbourhood.

“I’ve been investigating for a good portion of 25 to 30 years. I have not seen this much activity in such a short time,” said Randy Ryba, fire marshal at Regina Fire & Protective Services.

Fires on Monday, in the 1000 block of Rae Street and another in the 1300 block of Garnet Street, and Thursday, in the 900 block of Robinson Street and the 1400 block of Cameron Street, were all suspected to be deliberately set, according to the department.

Cumulative damage is estimated to cost $211,000.

“It’s really nerve-racking because why would you want to go and set fire to somebody’s home? What if they were home? What if there was a baby in there?” said Jennifer Crawford, a resident of the neighbourhood.

There were two other house fires in North Central in the same Monday-Thursday time period.

One fire in another house in the 1400 block of Retallack Street, which started at about 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, resulted in $6,000 in damage. It was blamed on careless smoking.

A fire in the 1400 block of Cameron Street started at about 12:50 p.m. that same day, causing $4,000 in damage. An investigation into the cause is expected to being next week.

Most of the homes were unoccupied during the fires, and no one was injured. All fires are being investigated by both the department and the Regina Police Service.

“Certainly it can put people on edge. We’re not pushing the panic button, people have to be vigilant around their properties,” said Ryba, adding that residents should look out for and report suspicious activity.