Truro youths charged for risky fire near propane tanks

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

RCMP laid charges against two young people after discovering a fire was intentionally set near propane tanks at a Truro business.

The district commander from Colchester County, Marc Rose, said the situation “posed a significant risk to the public.”

On Nov. 19, officers were patrolling Robie Street around 10:15 p.m. when they received a report of “suspicious people.” When responding, police said they saw a fire under and around the industrial propane tanks of a business. The suspicious people were believed to be connected to the fire.

With the flames so close to the large propane tanks, officers closed the road and used fire extinguishers to control the fire until additional support arrived. When the fire was extinguished, investigators found evidence to indicate they were intentionally set.

From where the arson was discovered, RCMP found two youths in a nearby parking lot who matched the previous description of the suspicious people seen near the flames earlier. Officers brought the youths into custody.

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One of them had a replica firearm on them, that was taken by police.

Both face charges of arson, mischief and common nuisance and were released before their court appearances.

S/Sgt. Rose said he appreciated the help from the Truro Fire Service and the Cobequid District Fire Brigade.

“The quick response from partners at both fire departments mitigated this risk and later allowed officers to collect evidence on scene to support the investigation,” he said.