“Numerous” fires were set by an arsonist in Ontario on Tuesday, police say.
Ontario Provincial Police said that at around 5:30 p.m., OPP officers from the East Algoma detachment and the Huron Shores Fire Department responded to 10 small bush fires.
The fires were intentionally set on both the east and west sides of Melwel Road, west of the Town of Iron Bridge in the Huron Shores area, officers said.
“The fires were located at varying distances from the roadway, ranging from approximately 10 feet to 700 feet into the bush,” police said.
“While investigating the fires, members of the Huron Shores Fire Department observed an individual on Melwel Road between Clubhouse Road and Dunn Farm Road. A short time later, police attended the area and, at approximately 7:15 p.m., located the individual off a nearby trail and placed them under arrest.”
Police said as a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Sutton, Quebec resident Emile Leblanc was charged with arson — damage to property and obstructing a peace officer.
Leblanc appeared in court on Tuesday.