Police now investigating 20 suspicious fires in Airdrie area

An arson investigation into a string of suspicious fires in the Airdrie, Alta. area has now more than doubled in size according to police.

On Wednesday, Mounties confirmed their initial probe into nine blazes has now grown to include 20 fires over the last two weeks

The fires took place between Oct. 1 and Oct. 13 and were set in locations including a parking lot, a garbage can, a newspaper stand, an unoccupied RV as well as unoccupied town homes under construction and a shed. A barn fire on Township Road 264 as well as straw bales set ablaze on Highway 566 and Township Road 264 rounded out the incidents.

Airdrie RCMP Const. Jason Curtis said no witnesses have come forward at this point in the investigation.

No injuries have been reported, and Curtis said police don’t believe there is any connection between the areas or properties that were set on fire.

Mounties say they are expecting a significant development in their investigation over the next few days.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Residents are also asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles.

Airdrie is located about 30 km north of Calgary.

-with files from Gary Bobrovitz