Two youths charged with arson after fire set near propane tanks in Lower Truro, N.S.

Two youths are facing arson charges after they allegedly set a fire near industrial propane tanks in Lower Truro, N.S.

The RCMP says officers were patrolling the Robie Street area around 10:15 p.m. on Nov. 19 after receiving reports of suspicious people in the area.

“During these patrols, an officer observed a fire under and around industrial propane tanks in the parking lot of a business,” said the RCMP in a news release Thursday.

“The suspicious people previously reported were believed to be associated to the fire.”

Officers closed the road and used fire extinguishers to control the flames until firefighters from the Truro Fire Service and Cobequid District Fire Brigade arrived on scene.

Once the fire was extinguished, police say investigators found evidence indicating it had been set on purpose.

“A fire so close to propane tanks posed a considerable risk to public safety, and to the safety of all first responders on scene,” said Staff Sgt. Marc Rose. “The quick response from partners at both fire departments mitigated this risk and later allowed officers to collect evidence on scene to support the investigation.”

The RCMP found two youths matching the descriptions of the suspicious persons seen near the fire in a nearby parking lot and arrested them.

“One youth was found to be in possession of a replica firearm, which was seized by police,” said the RCMP.

Both youths are facing charges of arson, mischief and common nuisance. They were released on conditions pending future appearances in youth provincial court.

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