Nanaimo RCMP said they are investigating two separate grass fires as arson.
The first fire was reported on August 2 and the second on August 7, both in a field near 357 Howard Avenue.
In the first instance, police said a witness saw a man dressed all in black with a backpack walk through the field just before 5:40 a.m., then crouch down. Seconds later a fire started up.
The latest incident occurred around 3:30 p.m., when a witness saw a small fire in the same field. The witness saw a man running away from the fire, and tried to stop him but was unsuccessful.
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Both fires were quickly extinguished and did not cause significant damage.
The suspect in this latest incident is described as a white male, 18-22 years of age, approximately 6 feet tall with short dark hair.
He was seen wearing a dark shirt and had a white packsack slung over his shoulder.
Const. Gary O’Brien says if not for alert witnesses and the quick response of fire crews the fire could have easily spread to nearby homes.
Anyone with information is asked call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
