Police in Nanaimo are looking for this man who set a bag of garbage on fire in an alley along Nicol St. the morning of July 27. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

arson

Police seek suspect who started downtown Nanaimo alley fire

Jul 30, 2024 | 2:02 PM

NANAIMO — Mounties in Nanaimo are looking for a man seen starting a fire in an alley during tinder dry conditions then walking away.

Police say on Saturday, July 27 around 9:30 a.m., a man was seen in an alleyway behind Nicol near Finlayson streets setting a bag of garbage on fire near a fence and then walking away from the scene.

Neighbours used a garden hose to quickly put the fire out before it could spread any further, with Nanaimo Fire rescue crews attending to make sure it was completely out.

“If not for the quick action of neighbours, this fire could have easily spread and caused significant damage,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male with a somewhat dishevelled appearance, medium height with a slim build, and was wearing a brown long-sleeve shirt and dark pants at the time.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

This man is accused of staring a small fire in an alley behind Nicol St. on Saturday, July 27 around 9:30 a.m. (Nanaimo RCMP)

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