04

Jul
2012

Tis the Season for...Arson?

July 4th, 2012 | by admin admin | in Security Advice |    6   

As the sun sets later and the weather warms up, the danger of arson goes up.

Stanley Park has been struck twice this week. Last Tuesday, June 26, Vancouver Fire and Rescue arrived to find a Parks Board vehicle fully engulfed in flames, with two others catching fire, and the blaze was spreading to a nearby shed. Fortunately, the crews put out the fire before any horses in the nearby VPD Mounted Unit and the Triple A Horse and Carriage Stables were injured.

Then, in the early hours of June 29, the historic miniature train station was destroyed. Again, a quick response by firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to the surrounding forest.

Meanwhile, a fire bug was busy in both the City and District of North Vancouver overnight on June 28. In seven separate incidents, an arsonist set fire to grass, garbage, a pickup truck and a BMW. Within an hour, the RCMP had arrested a suspect.

No wonder the Vancouver Police and Vancouver Fire Department are asking you to help prevent deliberately set fires.

Too often, arsonists target debris left outside of garages and homes. The VPD offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim this summer: report all suspicious activity or people to police immediately through 9-1-1

• install motion detector lights at the rear of your home
• keep your yard and laneway tidy
• don’t put your garbage or recycling containers out until the morning of pick-up
• don’t leave or store old mattresses and furniture in your backyard, carport or laneway
• dispose of garden trimmings promptly
• store all flammable materials safely and out of sight

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.