The Fires Were Arson

As reported by Patricia Brooks Arenburg in the Herald.


Two Dartmouth fires, one that killed a man and another that forced a dozen people from their apartments, were caused by arson.

Halifax regional fire service spokesman Dave Meldrum said Tuesday’s fatal fire at 112 Pinecrest Dr. has been traced to the actions of the man found in an upstairs apartment.

"We believe this fire was lit by the deceased," he said.

Fire investigators determined that the blaze started in the master bedroom of an upstairs apartment and was ignited by matches or a hand-held lighter, Meldrum said.

Firefighters were called to the three-storey building at 5:06 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke on the top floor.

They also found a body inside one of the top-floor units.

Halifax Regional Police have not released the victim’s name or age, but spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter confirmed Thursday the victim is a man.

A second fire forced a dozen tenants from a Dundas Street apartment building was also deliberately lit, Palmeter said Thursday.

Fire investigators turned that case over to police Wednesday and officers have started reviewing the evidence.

Firefighters were called to the building, which houses 10 apartments, a laundromat and Joe’s Bar & Grill, at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

When crews arrived, they saw smoke pouring out of the eaves in the roof and through the joints of the vinyl siding at the back of the building.

Tenants were already evacuating the building when firefighters arrived and everyone got out safely.

Crews had the flames under control by 8 a.m. Wednesday, but it had already damaged four units at the back of the building. The structure also smoke and water damage, and there were holes in the floors, walls and ceilings where the firefighters cut to get to the flames.

The 12 tenants were not allowed back into the building after the fire, and at 2 p.m. Thursday, they were still waiting to hear if they could at least get back in to recover some of their belongings.

The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at the Findlay Community Centre on Elliot Street, where five tenants spent Wednesday night.

Seven others stayed with family or friends, said Canadian Red Cross spokesman Dan Bedell.

If they can’t return to the building, the Red Cross may keep the temporary shelter open for another night or help them make other arrangements, possibly with the help of the Community Services Department.

Scene of the Arsons:
Pinecrest:

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Portland:

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and after:

Photo: Peter Parsons /Herald Staff