By Dominic Abassi

Arson Suspected after 4 Cars Torched

Jul 8, 2016 | 11:38 AM

It appears to be a case of arson that sent four vehicles up in flames in north Nanaimo.

The first call was reported Wednesday morning at 3:30, when three vehicles were destroyed on Polaris Drive at Lagoon Way, near Pipers Lagoon.

A couple hours later police report a fourth car was destroyed by fire on McGirr Road near Nitnat Way.

RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien says the fires could have caused much more damage, noting the Pipers Lagoon area blaze could have spread out-of-control.

“There could’ve been an explosion and we saw from the fact the flames did spread to nearby fence panels, it could have easily spread to nearby homes,” said O’Brien.

HOUSING TARGETS

Nanaimo named in new group of communities for provincial housing targets

12h ago

unprovoked attack

Vulnerable man blasted with bear spray in quiet Nanaimo neighbourhood

14h ago

more housing

Nanaimo council endorses significant south end redevelopment

16h ago

O’Brien says it’s not clear if the fires in the Pipers Lagoon area and McGirr Road are related.

“We don’t know if there’s a connection to the fourth car, it’s only two kilometres away so there may be a connection to the other three fires.”

An estimated $25,000 in damages were caused.