RCMP say leads in their investigation into wildfires on the Conception Bay North Shore last year have dried up, and they are now appealing to the public for more information.
A series of suspicious fires left area residents on tenterhooks, culminating in two major blazes – one in Adam’s Cove in May which destroyed a number of properties and another in August which tore through 11 communities and leveled 200 structures in the region, displacing dozens of families.
Destruction caused by the wildfire on the Conception Bay North Shore in August (VOCM News)
In a news conference today, RCMP say outside experts used polygraphs to interview individuals who were suspected of having knowledge of, or involvement in, the August fire, or who were in direct proximity to where it started.
RCMP confirmed that individuals named in social media speculation and other reports have been cleared of any wrongdoing at this time.
Police still believe the fires are suspicious, and that there are people with information who have not yet come forward.
Inspector Adam Palmer says the investigation is a “challenge” given the lack of information, adding it will be “difficult” to move forward as things currently stand.
He says extra resources have been dedicated to the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
