Arson suspects sought after fire damages new build: OPP

Nottawasaga OPP is looking for three suspects and a blue Hyundai Elantra after a suspicious fire in New Tecumseth.

A fire that broke out at a home under construction in New Tecumseth early Tuesday morning is being treated as suspicious, according to officials.

Firefighters were called to Lawrence D. Pridham Avenue shortly after 4 a.m. and arrived to find smoke and flames at the unoccupied house.

Fire Chief Dan Heydon said crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and ventilate the home. No injuries were reported. Multiple units responded to the call at the home located in a new subdivision near the 14th Line.

The full extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed.

Provincial police say video surveillance shows three suspects arriving in a blue Hyundai Elantra around 3:50 a.m., and fleeing the scene with two gas cans less than 20 minutes later.

The chief said the department’s Fire Prevention Officer is attending to investigate the cause, noting the circumstances of the fire raised concern, though he didn’t expand on any details. The OPP Crime Unit is also investigating the incident.

Police say they are looking to identify the suspects and suspect vehicle. “Motorists or residents in the area between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on November 25 who may have dashcam or home surveillance footage are encouraged to contact police,” OPP stated.