WATCH: RCMP are investigating a series of arsons in Spruce Grove. Tom Vernon reports.
EDMONTON – A series of fires in a Spruce Grove neighbourhood have residents unnerved.
Two homes in the Fieldstone neighbourhood have been seriously damaged by fires in the last week.
The RCMP are investigating both house fires as arson, but can’t say for sure if it’s the same person or group of people responsible.
Early Wednesday morning, Clayton Kleparchuk was woken up by what sounded like pebbles being thrown at his window. But he says he knew by the flickering light that it was something much worse.
“It looks like it came from the bins,” Kleparchuk said. “Whoever did start it, that looks like where it originated and then it just shot up from there.”
Kleparchuk was able to extinguish the flames with his garden hose while his wife and young daughter got out of their home.
Four nights later, on August 2, another home around the corner went up in flames. This time, there was significant damage to both the home and the neighbouring house.
RCMP say the house fires are just the latest in a series of fires dating throughout this summer.
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Cpl. Kimberly Mueller told Global News there have been several dumpsters, portable toilets, and garbage cans set on fire. As well, the driving range shed at the Links Golf Course was burnt down, with several flags on the course also being set on fire.
Three people were arrested in connection with a porta-potty fire on Saturday. It’s not known if they’re responsible for any of the other fires. No charges have been laid.
RCMP are asking for the public to report any suspicious activity.
“No tip is too small, I can’t stress that enough,” said Cpl. Mueller. “People see maybe people they don’t know in their neighbourhood, or hear things and think ‘I’m not going to call and bother police with that’, please do… Any lead we can get we’re taking seriously.”
Meanwhile, residents say they’re coming together to watch over their neighbourhood.
“We’re a tighter community,” said Kleparchuk. “To know there’s something like this happening is disconcerting.
Anyone who may have information is asked to call Spruce Grove RCMP at 780 962-2222. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
With files from Tom Vernon, Global News.
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