Orillia OPP arrest suspect in Scout Valley and Grant’s Woods arsons
Investigation into the fires began last fall
Ontario Provincial Police have arrested a suspect in connection with more than 25 fires in Scout Valley in Orillia and two fires in Grant’s Woods in Severn Township.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, police observed a man in the Old Barrie Road parking lot adjacent to Scout Valley. He was arrested and taken to the detachment for further investigation.
The probe into the fires began in fall 2020. Over 25 small fires were set to trees and stumps in Scout Valley and two additional fires happened in Grant’s Woods.
Police were assisted by Orillia and Severn Township fire services with the investigation.
A 37-year-old Orillia man has been charged with two counts of arson and damage to property.
He has a court date June 13.
OPP thank members of the public who assisted by reporting and providing information to fire and police. They said diligence by the public prevented injury and significant damage.
