Nunavik police identify suspects in fires across 3 communities

Nunavik police say they have identified suspects in a string of recent fires across Puvirnituq, Akulivik and Kuujjuaq.

Speaking Monday at the Kativik Regional Government council meeting in Inukjuak, Chief Jean-François Bernier said police arrested one person last weekend and that several suspects are children aged 12 and under.

The investigation covers incidents that occurred over several months. Investigators have ruled out that on serial adult arsonist could be behind the fires, said police public relations manager Julie Berthold in an email Wednesday.

Nunatsiaq News asked Berthold for a timeline and details of the fires that are being investigated but she declined to provide more information, citing the active investigation.

Many of the properties targeted are abandoned or unoccupied houses and shacks, Bernier told councillors during Monday’s meeting. He urged people in the affected communities to report sightings of anybody they see around these buildings at night.

“What I’m asking is that people call us immediately so that we send the patrol on the spot to catch them,” Bernier said.

Bernier said police have increased patrols in Puvirnituq, the most affected community, while investigators review what the chief described as hundreds of pieces of video evidence.

Officers are also asking people to submit information or video through the Nunavut Police Service’s confidential tip line (tips@nunavikpolice.ca) or directly with a police officer.

The police service has not released further details about the suspects or the circumstances surrounding the incidents.