The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is actively investigating a series of suspicious fires across southwest and southeast Edmonton. The fires, which have sparked concern among residents, are being treated as arson incidents, and EPS has urged residents to assist by providing doorbell camera footage that may capture crucial evidence.
The investigation commenced in May 2024, following a suspicious fire in the Strathearn neighborhood. In the ensuing months, six more incidents were reported, expanding the affected area to include Cloverdale, King Edward Park, and Holyrood.
Police have reported no injuries. However, the recurring fires have raised alarms among residents and city officials alike. The most recent incident occurred yesterday, November 7, in the Holyrood neighborhood, prompting EPS to increase patrols and encourage residents to report unusual or suspicious behavior.
Police are asking residents in the affected neighborhoods to check their doorbell cameras for any footage that could aid in identifying the suspect or suspects behind the fires.
Acting Staff Sgt. Chantelle Kortbeek, who leads the EPS Downtown Investigative Response Team, noted, “While we are unsure at this time if these incidents are connected, we are actively investigating seven suspicious fires that have thankfully not injured anyone. As this investigation continues, we are asking residents to be mindful of unusual activity in their neighborhoods. Reporting these activities will assist us in our efforts to identify and arrest the suspect or suspects who are committing these arsons.”
EPS has urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviors or activities directly to the police. EPS has set up a dedicated line for anyone with information to contact police directly at 780-423-4567, or #377 for mobile users. Individuals can also submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via the Crime Stoppers website, www.p3tips.com/250.