Nanaimo Fire Rescue made quick work of a spot fire in the bush just off Buttertubs Dr. near a pair of residential buildings. NFR believes the fire may have been intentionally set. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

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NANAIMO — An investigation is underway into the cause and circumstances behind a pair of brush fires lit within minutes of each other.

Fire Rescue crews were called to Bowen Park and a nearby wooded area off Buttertubs Dr. on Friday, June 2 between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively.

Capt. Scott Mitrenga told NanaimoNewsNOW on scene at Buttertubs Dr., crews found a small 20′ by 20′ fire in the woods.

“It’s a pretty damp area, it wasn’t going to spread but it looks to be potentially purposely set. RCMP are on scene, there was somebody of suspicion in the area and we have had another fire just very close by probably 10-15 minutes earlier.”

The small fire was in an already damp area, however Nanaimo Fire Rescue say prolonged stretches without rain have created many potential spots for a fire to start. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Mitrenga confirmed neither fire was related to cooking activities.

The region is less than two days removed from its warmest May ever, and one of the driest too. Rainfall on May 31 did little to change things.

“We’re getting more worrisome about the conditions, they’ve been dry for a prolonged period of time, especially for May, usually one of our wetter months,” Mitrenga added.

He advised people to be extra cautious with anything which could spark a fire.

“People with cigarettes if you’re walking trails, either don’t take them with you or make sure you extinguish them properly. A lot more people are getting out in nature and trails now, we’ve just got to be more diligent out there.”

Claudia Matucha saw the aftermath of the fire.

The Buttertubs Dr. resident said a man was taken into custody by attending Nanaimo RCMP officers.

“This man was a little out of control I’d say, he was screaming, etcetera and the dog was barking at him. They put him in the police van, he was screaming.”

No word from Nanaimo RCMP on potential charges the man could face.

Neighbours living near the site of a nearby bush fire off Buttertubs Drive witness police take a suspect into custody. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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