NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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Since June 17 2020, the Welland Fire and Emergency Services have responded to 15 emergency calls for fires at various locations within Welland. Post-fire investigations have lead investigators to the belief the fires were suspicious in nature and that the fires were deliberately set.

Investigation by 3 District Detectives has resulted in the arrest of an adult male.

On July 5, 2020, Shane R. Greenwood (33 years of) of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the alleged criminal offence of:

• Arson to property (two counts)
• Breach of probation

Greenwood was held in custody and attended a video bail hearing on July 5, 2020. 

Deputy Chief Adam Eckhart of the Welland Fire Services states:

"The geographic location of these fires is within a few kilometres of the downtown core of our community, where many complex buildings exist. There is high potential for a fire in these areas to be catastrophic to local businesses and many vulnerable people living in the area. The potential increases with frequency; each fire occurrence has the potential to extend into buildings and compromise public safety. Fire behavior is unpredictable and can spread quickly without warning. Fire damages are known to escalate as a fire setting habit progresses."

Police continue to investigate the spate of fires, and would request that any members of the public having any information about these incidents call the 3 District Detective Office and speak with D/Sgt. Manney, extension 9663 or D/C Sajkowski at extension 9221.

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