On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 1:45 a.m., Barrie Police responded to a report of fire at a home located at 183 Columbia Road in the City of Barrie.

From the investigation that followed, police have learned that the homeowners were awakened at approximately 1:30 a.m. after hearing a loud noise at the rear of their property. When they got up to investigate, they discovered that the BBQ had been knocked over and that the deck cushions under a gazebo that is located on the backyard deck were on fire. The fire began to spread quickly and engulfed the rear area of the involved residence. Barrie Fire and Emergency Services responded and immediately extinguished the fire but not before it caused significant damage to the rear of the house, the deck and gazebo. The home also sustained significant smoke damage.

Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, the fire department contacted the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office and they determined that the fire was intentionally set. As a result of these findings, this incident is now being investigated as an arson and damage is estimated at upwards to $100,000.

The Barrie Police Service is requesting assistance from the public and is asking that anyone who has information regarding this incident to please contact Detective Constable Duncan Watson at 705-725-7025, extension 2755 or by email at [email protected]. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or electronically at p3tips.com.

Occurrence #: BA21018365
Prepared by: Peter Leon, Corporate Communications Coordinator

 

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