Police investigating series of arsons in Elliot Lake, seeking public assistance

The Ontario Provincial Police crest is seen in front of a police vehicle with lights flashing in this file photo. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Algoma detachment is investigating a string of arsons in Elliot Lake and is appealing to the public for help.

The incidents began on Feb. 10, when police responded to a report of a pickup truck set on fire at a church on Ottawa Avenue.

Over the following weeks, three additional arsons were reported. On Feb. 12, 19, and 21, two vehicles and a camper trailer were set ablaze at businesses and a storage lot on Perini Road. The affected vehicles and trailer were parked in rear areas of the properties near the intersection of Perini Road and Fox Drive.

“The unknown person(s) vacated the areas prior to the arrival of emergency services,” said police in the news release.

Police have not released any additional information about how the fires were set or if any injuries have resulted from the incidents.

The OPP is urging anyone with information about the fires to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

“Business owners are asked to check any security camera footage from (the) dates,” added police.