RNC Investigating Series of Suspicious Fires in St. John’s

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is investigating five suspicious fires that occurred in St. John’s over the weekend, with investigators believing the incidents may have targeted communication towers and pole line infrastructure.

Police said the first fire was reported at approximately 11:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, in the pole line area off Linegar Avenue in Shea Heights. A second fire was reported around 1:35 p.m. in the same vicinity, followed by a third fire on Southside Road at approximately 3:45 p.m.

On Sunday, July 19, officers responded to another fire on George’s Pond Road near Team Gushue Highway at approximately 5:25 p.m. Later that evening, at about 11:40 p.m., a fifth fire was reported in a wooded area off Old Pennywell Road.

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department responded to each incident and quickly extinguished the fires. No injuries were reported.

According to the RNC, investigators with the General Investigation Unit believe the fires were deliberately set and appear to have been aimed at communication tower and pole line locations.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who has video footage from the affected areas to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in CCTV, dash camera, or cellphone footage recorded within one hour before or after each fire.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online through the Crime Stoppers website.