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.

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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.