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Nova Scotia RCMP are investigating a series of connected arson incidents in the Timberlea area near Halifax, after a home on Marketway Lane was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Sunday morning. Officers and fire services arrived at the property in the 400 block of Marketway Lane at approximately 3:05 a.m. to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported.
Investigators believe the Sunday fire is directly linked to two earlier incidents in the same block earlier this month. Together, the three incidents form part of a growing arson investigation that has prompted police to increase their presence in the neighbourhood.
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A Series of Fires in the Same Block
The first incident occurred on September 5, when someone threw a Molotov cocktail at a home in the same block on Marketway Lane. That home also became fully engulfed in flames. Fortunately, no one suffered injuries in that fire either.
Two days later, on September 7, police received a report of a suspicious person in the area. Through their investigation, officers learned that a man had been seen leaving a residence carrying a burning cloth. He then dropped the cloth and fled in a vehicle. Police also found a jug containing an accelerant left behind in the yard.
In connection with Sunday’s fire, witnesses reported seeing a dark-coloured SUV leaving the property after the fire started. Police are now actively searching for suspects and vehicles linked to all three incidents.
Police Seek Public Help to Identify Suspects
Investigators are asking the public for help identifying two specific persons of interest. First, they want information about a small blue vehicle seen leaving the area on the morning of the September 5 fire. In addition, they are looking for a man wearing black pants and a brown jacket who was spotted inside a grey Honda Civic on September 7.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, RCMP have increased patrols in the community. Both marked and unmarked police vehicles are now monitoring the neighbourhood. Officials say the heightened presence is intended to reassure residents and deter further incidents.
Anyone with relevant information, including dashcam footage or doorbell camera recordings, can contact police directly at 902-490-5020. Alternatively, people can submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
