8th fire in new Bradford community destroys house build, damages another
Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with an arson investigation after two more fires in a new Bradford community.
On Sunday around 4:30 a.m., emergency crews received reports about two separate structure fires in new homes yet to be occupied on Rowe Street in Bond Head.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Deputy Fire Chief Steve Hall told CTV News one of the houses is "a total loss."
No injuries were reported.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Authorities believe the weekend fires were intentionally set and called the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office to assist with the investigation.
Last week, crews were called about another suspected arson at a home under construction in the same development. In June, two more new builds were significantly damaged by what is believed to have been intentionally set fires.
And in February, two more newly constructed homes sustained damage as flames spread inside. Officials say both houses were close to being ready for occupancy.
South Simcoe police say Sunday's incident marks the eighth residential fire in the new development on Rowe Street north of 88, west of Highway 27.
"We know that this is a trend, just in speaking with our agency partners, throughout the province," said South Simcoe Police Staff Sgt. Dave Caccia.
A spokesperson with Northbridge Financial Corporation, a leading insurance provider for homebuilders, told CTV News that in 2023, it saw 10 times more suspicious fires in residential homebuilding than in the previous five years combined.
Still, the motive remains unclear, with no arrests to date in any of the incidents on Rowe Street.
Police urge anyone with information on these incidents to contact the authorities at 905-775-3311 or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump says he 'shouldn't have left' the White House as he closes campaign with increasingly dark message
Donald Trump, who said in Pennsylvania on Sunday that he regrets leaving the White House in 2021, is ending the 2024 campaign the way he began it – dishing out a stew of violent, disparaging rhetoric and repeated warnings that he will not accept defeat if it comes.
Guelph, Ont. woman says she was pushed to homelessness and 'thrown on the street'
For people living on the fringe of society, the line between the safety and security of a home and homelessness is very thin.
James Van Der Beek says he has colorectal cancer
The 'Dawson’s Creek' alum told People magazine in a statement published Sunday that he has colorectal cancer.
Where should Canada look to improve its housing situation? The answer may shock you
Housing experts argue widespread adoption of government-supported affordable housing, the growth of alternative models like co-operatives and co-housing, and the increased use of advanced building techniques could all play a role in improving Canada's housing system.
No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union
Canada Post says talks are continuing with the union that represents postal workers and neither side has given notice of a work stoppage.
U.K. prosecutors are mulling whether to charge Russell Brand over sex assault allegations
British prosecutors say they have been given a file of evidence from police about alleged sexual offenses by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to charge him.
Federal mediators on site for negotiations between B.C. port employer and union
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says federal mediators are standing by and ready to help hammer out a deal in order to avoid a labour disruption at ports across British Columbia.
Winnipeg transit union raises concerns over violence after bus driver has gun pointed at him
The executive vice-president of Winnipeg’s transit union is raising concerns over an increase in violent incidents on buses after an operator allegedly had a gun pointed at him early Friday morning in front of police headquarters.
Trump wants to narrow his deficit with women but he's not changing how he talks about them
Donald Trump's campaign has used sexist and crude language, expressing alarm at the idea of women voting differently than their partners.