Nanaimo RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire that broke out on the porch of a home in the 600 block of Kennedy Street just after midnight over the weekend.
According to police, a male suspect is believed to have intentionally set fire to a cedar planter box shortly before 12 a.m. on Saturday, July 12th.
The homeowner noticed the flames, rushed outside to extinguish the fire, and called 911. Nanaimo Fire and Rescue were able to douse the fire before it could cause any damage to the home.
A neighbour’s security camera captured the moment the fire began, as well as a possible suspect.
Investigators are now asking residents in the area to review their surveillance footage or dashcam recordings between 11:30 p.m. on July 11th and 12:30 a.m. on July 12th.
They are specifically looking for footage of a man wearing a light-coloured shirt, dark knee-length shorts, dark shoes, and carrying a backpack.
Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
Police have released a photo of the damaged planter box but are not releasing any images of the suspect at this time.
