The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are seeking assistance from the public in investigating four separate structure fires that occurred overnight on Friday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
According to a press release, the RCMP were alerted to a fire on Palliser Crescent before midnight, where a building was completely destroyed by the flames along with its contents.
At 3:10 a.m., authorities discovered a residence on Cabot Street engulfed in fire, and around 5 a.m., they responded to reports of a fire at an abandoned building near Northmart on Hamilton River Road. An additional fire was reported at an office building about an hour later.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in connection to the fires, and all of the buildings were unoccupied. The RCMP indicated that evidence points to the fires being intentionally set.
Residents are urged to check their video surveillance footage for any suspicious activities in the vicinity of Palliser Crescent, Oliver Drive, Cabot Street, Hamilton River Road, and Corte Real Road. Any relevant footage or information that could aid the investigation should be shared with the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by these incidents, the town officials emphasized their collaboration with law enforcement to ensure public safety. Happy Valley-Goose Bay Mayor Bert Pomeroy expressed gratitude for the efforts of the RCMP and fire department and urged residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with the authorities.
Deputy Mayor Jackie Compton-Hobbs, whose shed was the first to catch fire, emphasized the severity of the situation and the need for community vigilance. She highlighted the significant losses incurred and praised the swift response of emergency services in containing the fires.
Expressing deep concern, Compton-Hobbs hinted at the possibility of an arsonist being responsible for the fires, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Additionally, a local resident reported on social media that an old restaurant named Tricia Dee’s was also affected by the fires.
The string of fires has sparked alarm in the community, with residents echoing a sentiment of “enough is enough” in response to the concerning incidents.