2 Mount Stewart fires likely related, say RCMP

A second serious fire in as many days has occurred in Mount Stewart, P.E.I., this time at a vacant house at the corner of Main and Union Streets early Tuesday morning.

Firefighters got the blaze under control at around 4 a.m. but the house was destroyed.

The provincial fire marshal was on the scene and turned the investigation over to RCMP.

On Monday, RCMP asked for the public's help after a fire at the former legion building at about 3:30 a.m. That building was also vacant.

Police say there have been a number of fires in the area in the last couple of months. They haven't determined a cause for either of the most recent fires, but both are considered suspicious.

"We have an active investigation and, yes, we believe that, unfortunately, they are related," said Sgt. Leanne Butler.

The village council is considering a community watch program and will work with RCMP to implement it, says its chairperson, Maxine Doucette.

"Just everybody watch out for each other. Like, if somebody's going away, let your neighbour know," said Doucette. "If everybody works together, hopefully this will end."

Police continue to urge the public to provide any information on the fires or suspicious activities or people in the area by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or theRCMP.