A Norwood man has been arrested and charged with three counts of arson following several overnight fires on Lansdowne St. W. in Peterborough.
Just before midnight, Peterborough Fire Services responded to a reported fire in a lumber storage building at Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre. A short time later, police were dispatched to the scene.
Peterborough Police Service say while officers were checking the area, a second fire was located in a dumpster behind a nearby automotive repair business and a third fire- also in a dumpster – was found behind a pet food business.
During the investigation officers saw a suspicious male in the area who allegedly attempted to flee on foot, police said.
The suspect was located a short time later in the area of Brealey Dr. and Lansdown St. W. As a result of the investigation he was placed under arrest.
Gordon Sean Slack, 33, of Maple Avenue, Norwood, is charged with three counts of arson – damage to property.
He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court later Tuesday, police said.
Police remain on scene Tuesday at all three locations. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal is also investigating.
Damage is pegged at $400,000 at the lumber yard fire, according to Peterborough Fire Services platoon chief Stephen Reid.
“On arrival a large lumber storage building was found with heavy flames and smoke coming from the upper level,” said Reid.
Reid said crews worked to extinguish the blaze and managed to prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the building.
No one was injured.
Firefighters remained at the scene until 4 a.m.
The Home Hardware store is open on Tuesday.
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