A woman in her 30s has been arrested in connection with two grass fires burning a few blocks apart in Port Alberni on Wednesday evening.
The Port Alberni Fire Department was called for a fire in the vicinity of Stamp Avenue and Roger Street (behind the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel) just before 6 p.m. The blaze grew to about six by 15 metres before crews were able to put it out.
Less than an hour later, the department responded to a second fire one block away, near Wallace Street at Stamp Avenue, that grew to about three by nine metres.
Port Alberni RCMP attended the scene of the second fire. With the help of witnesses, officers identified a woman who was seen at both fires.
A woman in her 30s was arrested. She was released from custody Thursday morning on strict conditions and will be monitored by community corrections.
“It is concerning to see deliberate fires being set like this in the centre of town,” said Const. Richard Johns, media relations officer. “After multiple suspicious fires were set last year, we understand the public’s concern for the safety of their homes and properties.”
