fires

A string of fires in Antigonish County are being investigated and believed to be targeted after a suspicious death in Upper Big Tracadie was ruled a homicide.

RCMP say they believe the incidents are related.

It was May 31 around 8:30 p.m. when crews responded to a report of a man who died after a fire on the 0-1000 block of Highway 16. When the fire was put out, a man was found dead on the property.

Two days later, it was determined the man was murdered.

There were four other fires crews responded to in the area between May 31 and June 1.

• A residential fire on the 0-1000 block of Highway 16 in Upper Big Tracadie around 9:30 p.m.
• An apartment complex on Tower Road, Mulgrave at about 11:20 p.m.
• An abandoned home in the 1000-block of Harvre Boucher Road at midnight
• At a lot in another section of Harvre Boucher Road

Although these fires are considered targeted, police do not believe the homicide in West Arm Tracadie, May 21, is related.

Major Crimes along with several other agencies are investigating these fires.

Officers are looking for video footage from Antigonish and/or Guysborough Counties between the evening of May 31 and early June 1 showing either a black 2014 Chevrolet Sonic with pink spray paint or a silver 2010 Hyundai Accent with a temporary permit.

The spray painted vehicle has been seized.

Anyone with information, including relevant video footage, is asked to contact the RCMP Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit at 902-365-3120.