High River RCMP are on the look out for a suspected arsonist after a fire was set in the lobby of a seniors building in the town twice in one night.
At approximately 12:40 a.m. on July 2, someone set fire to a bulletin board in the front entrance to a coop seniors complex at 1400 9 Ave. S.E. near Joe Clark School, as well as a newspaper bin outside the front door.
The fires were quickly contained and did not spread to other parts of the building.
“It doesn’t sound as if the damage was major, it’s just the fact the seniors had to be evacuated from the residence,” said High River RCMP Sgt. Brent Hawker. “Always when we’re dealing with our most vulnerable, you have be concerned because something could happen.”
About an hour after leaving the scene, RCMP and High River fire department personnel were called back when someone ignited another fire in the building’s entrance.
Someone set fire to the same bulletin board and police and firefighters were called back to the scene. The building’s residents had to he evacuated for a second time.
The damage was limited to the front entrance of the complex. He said RCMP are concerned about the fact someone attempted to set fire to a building in town, twice.
“It’s always serious, especially in a residence,” he said. “If that fire had got away, who knows what could have happened.”
RCMP are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious people in the area that night or who may have information that may help identify the suspect to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact High River RCMP at 403-652-2356 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
