OPP: “INCREASED PATROLS IN IDENTIFIED AREAS”

By Jacob Fehr

NORFOLK County OPP has upped patrols in some areas after responding to several suspicious fires in the last two months, including one on January 6 near Delhi.

“While Norfolk County is vast and it is not feasible for officers to be present everywhere at all times, we have increased patrols in identified areas to deter further incidents and provide reassurance to the community. The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit is working diligently to investigate these fires with the primary goal of identifying those responsible and preventing further occurrences,” said Constable Andrew Gamble, media relations and community safety officer for the local police detachment.

“We want to highlight the significant risks these fires pose—not only to area residents but also to emergency service workers, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, who respond to these incidents. Fires can spread quickly, endangering neighbouring structures and communities, which is why public vigilance is critical.”

Last Monday’s incident was the latest in what Const. Gamble called “a series of suspicious fires” in Norfolk County. As of this story’s publication, police have flagged eight structure fires in Norfolk between November 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, as suspicious. He said police “are taking these incidents very seriously.”

“Each fire is being thoroughly investigated, and based on the information and evidence gathered by our investigators, these incidents have been deemed suspicious. While the frequency of the fires is certainly a factor in the investigation, each fire is being assessed independently to determine its cause and any potential connections to other incidents,” he said.

“The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit is leading this investigation and will utilize additional resources as required to support their efforts. Our detachment is also working closely with the Norfolk County Fire Department to ensure a co-ordinated and thorough investigation.”

Const. Gamble said a situation such as this “has not been seen in our county’s past.”

“The number of incidents, their timing, and in some cases, their close proximity to one another, make this situation unusual for Norfolk County. Given the unique nature of these incidents, we urge residents to remain vigilant at all times and to report anything out of the ordinary to the OPP.”

Norfolk County OPP is asking for assistance from anyone with information about the fires. The request came in a media release on January 6 after police and firefighters responded to a fire on Windham Road 11 in Delhi around 3:30 a.m. that morning. Const. Gamble reiterated the message.

“We want to emphasize the vital role the public plays in assisting with active investigations. Anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity in the areas of these fires or has information, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact the Norfolk County OPP immediately,” he said.

The police encourage those with information about the fires to share it with them by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anyone wishing to report information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit their tips online via helpsolvecrime.com.

“Residents in the affected areas are also asked to check their home surveillance systems for any footage that may assist with the investigations. Additionally, motorists who were travelling on any of these roadways around the time of the incidents and may have witnessed suspicious activity are urged to contact the police immediately,” the release said.

The eight structure fires Norfolk County OPP deemed suspicious occurred:

• At approximately 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, on Windham East Quarter Line Road, Simcoe;
• At approximately 1:03 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, on Windam Road 13, Simcoe;
• At approximately 10:19 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, on Fourteenth Street West, Simcoe;
• At approximately 12:03 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, on 10th Concession Road, Langton;
• At approximately 4:09 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, on Highway 24 near Concession 11 Townsend;
• At approximately 11:40 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, on Concession 10 Townsend, Waterford;
• At approximately 12:33 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, on St. John’s Road West, Simcoe;
• At approximately 3:29 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, on Windham Road 11, Delhi.

“The affected structures have been identified as residences, greenhouses, barns, or other outbuildings. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents,” the release said.

Const. Gamble said police “encourage residents to take proactive steps to help safeguard their properties and neighbourhoods, including securing vacant structures, reporting suspicious activity immediately, utilizing surveillance systems, such as cameras or motion-activated lights, on their [properties], and ensuring that fire safety measures are in place.”

Katie Ballantyne, community safety officer for Norfolk County Fire Department, said residents can help protect their properties by “[ensuring] that fuel-fired appliances are serviced and that the power to any unused buildings [is] turned off until it is required.” She also recommends locking and securing any structures on one’s property.

For their part, Norfolk’s firefighters remain prepared for any emergency.

“All our fire stations conduct weekly training and equipment checks to ensure they are prepared as possible for future incidents,” Ms. Ballantyne said.

Asked about the impact these fires have had on local firefighters, she mentioned that “operating at a structure fire is one of the more taxing calls we respond to” but affirmed they are ready and resolute to fulfill their duties.

“Every one of our firefighters are trained to attend these types of fires and are professional in their approach to every type of call they attend. As a [fire department] we respond to every call with the same willingness to do everything we are trained to do to assist the public and keep them safe,” she said.

“Public safety remains our highest priority, and we are committed to maintaining the level of service Norfolk County residents rely on. We would like to remind residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home so that they are alerted in the event of a fire emergency.”

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Originally published January 15, 2025