After a string of suspicious fires occurred within blocks of one another in Victoria, police have made an arrest in connection with four of the fires.
Victoria Police arrested Edwin Singh, 42, and he has been charged with four counts of arson.
He has been charged in relation to the June 23 vehicle fire at a rental business in the 2500-block of Government Street, the July 12 fire in a business loading area in the 2300-block of Government Street, the July 12 vehicle fire at a car dealership in the 2500-block of Government Street, and the Aug. 16 fire in a loading zone in the 700-block of Tolmie Avenue in Saanich.
In the four fires, VicPD notes no one was injured but there was significant damage to property.
The police department says no further details will be released as the issue is now before the courts.
The car dealership fire occurred at the Mercedes-Benz dealership, and firefighters noted that explosions could be heard coming from the vehicle on fire.
“The compressed gas cylinders for all the airbags and struts could be heard exploding upon arrival and during the battle as they were exposed to the heat,” wrote the Victoria Firefighters union on social media.
In addition to the burnt vehicle, one other car sustained heat damage from the fire.
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In addition to the four fires Singh was charged with, there are two other suspicious fires under investigation by police.
The first occurred on June 16 at the Ricky’s All Day Grill on Douglas Street, and the second on July 2 at 2531 Government Street.
VicPD says these two fires are still under investigation.
Laura Brougham
