Recent infill fires don’t look like part of 2024 extortion scheme: investigators

Edmonton police and fire are looking for information as they investigate eight suspicious house fires as arson. CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenny reports.

At this time, investigators are not linking recent fires at infill construction sites to the extortion series that targeted South Asian builders last year.

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Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is looking into six fires that seem to have been deliberately set in the Glenora, Belgravia and King Edward Park neighbourhoods on Oct. 18, 21, 26, 29 and two on Nov. 2.

There were two more fires on Sept. 15 and 23 in the Highlands neighbourhood that Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) says also happened at infill construction sites, for a potential total of eight.

They have not yet been confirmed as arsons.

“It has not been confirmed whether these fires are all connected, though that is certainly something investigators are looking at, given the similarities and proximity,” said deputy police chief Nicole Chapdelaine at a press conference at city hall Tuesday morning.

Asked about evidence of extortion and threats in the recent string of fires, she said, “We’re not seeing any linkages to that.”

Chapdelaine also said at this point, EPS does not believe the fires are work of a copy cat.

About $8 million in damage has been caused by the fires since September, EFRS estimates.

No injuries have been reported, although a fire in Glenora early Sunday morning spread to two other houses.

The city, EPS and EFRS say putting a stop to the fires is a top priority and are encouraging Edmontonians to do their part by reporting and checking home security for suspicious activity.

“This is now a time for partnership,” EFRS chief David Lazenby said. “We need to tap into the strength and spirit of this city. The most powerful resource we have is the vigilance of Edmontonians looking out for each other.”

EPS has increased patrols in the affected neighbourhoods.

EPS and EFRS are also meeting with builders on Wednesday to discuss the situation.

A picture of Edmonton’s infill

Currently, Edmonton has active construction permits for about 4,000 residential units.

Central neighbourhoods, like those that the recent fires occurred in, have a higher number of infill projects, according to the city’s urban planning and design department.

Lazenby said construction projects can burn fast under certain factors, including the progress stage or whether the building has free-flowing air.

“In their unfinished state, they’re at the most vulnerable. But overall, lightweight construction is a greater challenge for the fire industry,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

However, the city is cautioning against building reservations.

“I wouldn’t want to speculate at this point until we have our folks complete their investigations to find out what’s happening, who’s causing it,” newly elected mayor Andrew Knack said.

“At this point, Edmonton is still a great place to build homes.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Kenny