Bouctouche struck by 6 more suspicious fires
A string of six weekend fires razed several buildings in the small tourist town of Bouctouche, N.B., adding to a total of about a dozen fires over the last several weeks.
The Kent County Gun Club burned to the ground early Monday morning, the latest in a growing number of fires that have torched a series of buildings, homes and even the area's best-known attraction, Le Pays de La Sagouine, which suffered an estimated $2 million in damage to its restaurant and theatre.
Although the gun club represents a smaller loss, Anthony Bastarache, the club's president, said it will be felt by many in the community.
"It's been used for different things, too, like in the winter time we were doing breakfasts, we did some fundraising here, the [all-terrain vehicle] club, the Ski-Doo club, that's their post so for meetings and stuff like that," he said.
Of the weekend fires in the area, the largest buildings struck were an unoccupied cottage and a church, while several smaller buildings also caught on fire.
RCMP Const. Nicolas Ménard said the fires are considered suspicious, but they have not been linked yet. He is requesting people call the police if they have any information on the fires.
"The best thing to do is always to keep an eye on your personal things and your neighbours and friends," Ménard said. "And call the police if you think something is unusual or something looks weird."
The local RCMP have increased the number of patrols, especially in the overnight hours.
The string of fires is causing many local businesses to revisit their security.
Carson Edwards, owner of the Dune View Inn in Bouctouche, said his business has not been targeted and he hopes to keep it that way.
"We've added more outdoor lighting and we're more vigilant if we hear something outside," Edwards said.
"So now you get up and go and check if you hear a noise outside and with the extra lighting you can see about 200 yards around the building so you do a walk around and check, but you're on edge, you're just nervous."