(NORTHUMBERLAND, ON) - On Monday July 9, 2018, the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Port Hope, Cobourg and Hamilton Township Fire Departments responded to multiple grass fires along Highway 401 in Port Hope ON.
Approximately 15 grass fires believed to be deliberately set were located near the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 west of East Townline Road through to the Toronto Road exit. Two OPP aircraft units assisted with determining that no fires were set further eastbound and to possibly locate a suspect vehicle.
Fire crews extinguished the fires in a timely manner preventing them from spreading which could have led to highway closures.
These fires had potential for disaster and police are seeking the public's help with any information that may assist in locating the person or persons responsible for this act.
Northumberland OPP is asking for the public's assistance with this ongoing investigation and asks that anyone with information on this or other crimes call their nearest OPP detachment. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Peterborough/Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 and not have to appear in court.