RCMP Investigate Fake Fire Reports in Port aux Basques

The RCMP are investigating after the Channel-Port aux Basques received several fictitious reports of fires.

The calls have been ongoing since this past summer and continued for a short time. However, more than nine such calls were placed to the fire department between December 20 and 23.

The fire department operates using a call-in paging system where a caller leaves a recorded voice message indicating the details of the fire.

Firefighters are dispatched based on the information received in the page.

Police suspect the phone numbers, which are not legitimate, that are displayed on the paging system are being obtained online through an internet application.

RCMP are warning people that this type of activity is illegal and that the person(s) found responsible could face criminal charges of public mischief.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP at 709-695-2149 or contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (TIPS is 8477).