Suspected Cape Breton arson incidents under investigation: N.S. RCMP

An RCMP sleeve patch is pictured. (CTV file photo)

Police in Nova Scotia’s Inverness County are investigating two suspected arsons which they believe to be related.

RCMP officers and emergency crews were first dispatched to a structure fire in the 1200 block of Cenotaph Road in West Bay Centre, N.S. around 3:30 a.m. on July 2.

“Upon arrival, the home was fully engulfed in flames and sustained significant damage before the fire was extinguished. The sole occupant of the home was able to exit without injury,” reads a news release from the Nova Scotia RCMP Thursday.

Then on Tuesday, crews responded to a second incident in Malagawatch, N.S., around 12 p.m.

Police say the blaze destroyed an abandoned home in the 8300 block of Marble Mountain Road before fire services could extinguish it.

“Both fires have been deemed suspicious and the investigations are ongoing,” says RCMP.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward with information related to a red sedan driven by a man near the home in West Bay Centre at the time of the July 2 fire.

“We’re exploring the possibility the fires were acts of vigilantism and cautioning the public that these acts are being investigated fully and have serious consequences,” says Sgt. Lance Wood.

Police urge those with information to contact Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

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