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Nanaimo grass fires deliberately set as suspect caught on surveillance video

Click to play video: 'Surveillance video shows Nanaimo arson suspect'
Surveillance video shows Nanaimo arson suspect
Wed, Aug 9: Surveillance video given to Nanaimo RCMP shows an arson suspect crouch down over some dry grass, walk away, and a fire ignites a moment later – Aug 9, 2017

RCMP in Nanaimo are trying to track down someone they believe deliberately set two fires in the last week.

They were set in a small vacant lot near Vancouver Island University and police now have video of the alleged suspect.

Someone can be seen in the video crouching over and then quickly fleeing as a fire flares up behind them.

WATCH: Police investigate B.C. wildfires that may have been deliberately set

Click to play video: 'Police investigate B.C. wildfires that may have been deliberately set'
Police investigate B.C. wildfires that may have been deliberately set

The man whose security camera filmed the suspect says he was completely shocked when he saw what was filmed.

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“When I was checking the camera I then gave it to police,” said witness Dyan Kazakov.

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Police say both of the fires were set in a field near 357 Howard Ave. — the first on Aug. 2 and the second on Aug. 7.

Both were quickly extinguished and did not cause any significant damage.

READ MORE: Body found at the site of Langley grass fire

“It appears both fires were intentionally set. If not for alert witnesses and the quick response of City of Nanaimo Fire crews both fires had the potential to spread and cause significant damage to nearby homes,” said Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a release.

The suspect in this latest incident is described as a Caucasian man, 18 to 22 years old, approximately six-feet tall with short, dark hair. He was seen wearing a dark shirt and had a white packsack slung over his shoulder.

If anyone has any information these fires, call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637, Keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.

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