RCMP Seek Public Comment on Suspicious Fires in Benton, N.B.

The West District RCMP is seeking information from the public as they investigate a series of suspicious fires in Benton, New Brunswick.

Since September, police say four separate fires have occurred in the same area of Benton:

September 14, 2015 – a home at 852 Benton Road was destroyed in a fire.

October 25, 2015 – a trailer that had been moved onto the property at 852 Benton Rd. was burned.

May 19, 2016 – a second trailer that had been moved on the property was burned.

May 22, 2016 – a fire was set at a vacant home at 850 Benton Road, and spread to a home at 852 Benton Road that was under construction.

The investigations into the fires have determined that all were deliberately set. Police believe that the owner of one of the properties was purposefully targeted.

“The RCMP is working closely with local community leaders to address public concern about these suspicious fires,” says Sgt. J.P. MacDougall of the West District RCMP. “We believe that these crimes are targeted acts and that there is not a broader threat to public safety.”

A public meeting is being held on Thursday, May 26, at 7:00 p.m., at the Benton Community Hall.

“People who live in the community can play a very important role in helping us solve these crimes, and we want to work together to identify whoever is responsible,” adds Sgt. MacDougall.

Anyone with information about the fires is asked to contact the West District RCMP at 506-325-3000.

Information can be also provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting TIP212 + your message to 'CRIMES' (274637).