REGINA – Since the first fire
started almost a week ago, Julie Schaaf makes sure someone is home at all
times. She and her family have lived in the neighbourhood since September; she
says she likes her home and her landlord, but she doesn’t feel safe here.
“I’m really upset. It’s
unfortunate and every night I’m thinking who’s next?” she said.
She also added, “For the
first couple of nights, I slept on the couch, just in case I heard something.”
The first fire occurred
last Sunday on 900 Robinson Street, then another on Monday night on 969
Robinson Street and the third on Thursday night on 1043 Robinson Street. Three
fires within two blocks of each other in one week: all are suspicious.
“We’re working with the Regina Police Service
to determine whether or not there is any connection between them,” said deputy fire chief Gerard Kay.
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It could just be a
coincidence, but Schaaf doesn’t think so.
“I think there’s something
else going on. I think some people are trying to get back at others for things
that have happened. I think it might be drug-related, I’m not sure,” she said.
“I’m waiting for the one
next door to go because it’s empty too,” said Robinson resident George Aldous. He
says he thinks more fires could be started in the neighbourhood.
But police say they don’t
expect any more fires. They’re asking residents to contact them with any
information they may have.
“Everybody knows their
neighbourhood and if you see somebody that doesn’t belong in a neighbourhood or
something seems out of place, or suspicious, contact the police service and
we’ll investigate further,” said Staff Sergeant Gord Pilon from the Regina
Police Service.
However, Schaaf says if
another fire breaks out, she’ll move. She already feels unsafe living in the neighbourhood.
“I just watch what I do
and watch what I say to people and mind my own business around here – and
that’s the best thing to do, otherwise you can get in major trouble, or you
could be the next target,” she said.
Investigators say no
additional patrols are planned for the area.
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