Almost eight weeks ago a fire demolished a carport in the backyard of a seniors West Side property. The flames destroyed the car inside and scorched the siding on the back of the house. The senior called 911, firefighters put out the blaze before it engulfed the house and no one was injured. But police held a press conference shortly afterwards warning Shaughnessy and South Granville residents of eight incidents of vandalism and arson on the West Side dating back to June 3.
Although police hadnt established whether there was one or more suspects, and in some cases fires were ignited by different methods, they advised residents to focus on fire prevention measures around their homes.
Since then, there havent been any similar incidents in those neighbourhoods, according to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Fire and Rescue Services spokesman Gabe Roder, but he said residents should remain alert.
It has been quiet. We do as much as we can to keep our neighbourhoods safe, Roder said late last week. Sometimes you can spook them if thats the right term. They can get scared and go underground for a while if they feel too much heat in the areaby heat I dont mean fire heat. I mean were out patrolling. People are doing their due diligence and keeping their homes safer. Were trying to get people to keep their homes clear of clutter and the police are out there doing their jobs and roaming the neighbourhoods.
Roder stressed its important residents follow fire prevention tips every day, especially as Halloween draws near.
Its not just arsonists that are out there with forms of ignition, but theres also kids out there. Fireworks are going to come around as well, so that in itself introduces a whole bunch of added variables and added dangers to people in neighbourhoods, he said. Our message is clear whether there is an arsonist in a neighbourhood or not, particularly now as were getting close to Halloween our suggestion is its always in your best interest to keep your backyard and other areas, particularly laneway areas, clear of any clutter.
Roder also advises motion detector lights for dark areas and keeping hedges trimmed and away from the house.
Arsonists motives vary. Some spark fires for profit or for fraud or to conceal a crime. Others are malicious and want to cause damage. Some juvenile fire setters just want to see something burn. Arsonists who light fires who get a thrill out of it or excitementthose are typically people that have problems in their lives, Roder added.
A south Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»woman died from a September 2008 firea case that remains unsolved, Roder said.
Thats our biggest fear right there, that somebody will get killed because of somebodys malicious action. All we can hope is they dont come back, but we just have to wait and keep on top of what we do.
Twitter: @Naoibh
