Builder beefs up security after string of blazes
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A Winnipeg builder said he’s had to beef up security around his developments after one of his projects sustained significant damage Wednesday in suspected arson cases.
“This is so bad for me,” said Rupinder Brar. “This is so sad.”
Firefighters were sent to the construction site at 297 Regal Ave., shortly before 4 a.m. Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the two homes on the site and threatened to jump to nearby buildings.
Winnipeg Police Service Const. Claude Chancy said police are investigating the blaze, as well as two fires in St. Boniface that were five days apart.
A six-unit housing development on Archibald Street was gutted by fire on Oct. 13. Construction on the building had begun in June. The city said last week it is slated for emergency demolition.
A vacant two-storey home on the 600 block of Archibald that was undergoing renovations caught fire Sunday.
No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Brar, who has been in the building industry for about a decade, said the string of fires is worrisome.
He said he has insurance on the homes. He plans to add more security at his other sites.
“I’m always scared,” he said of the other developments.
Chancy said no further details about the investigation were available Wednesday.
Calling the fires “certainly troubling” one industry leader said he’s glad they are being investigated.
“Site security is always a priority item for our members and especially in infill situations,” said Lanny McInnes, president and CEO of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.
“We’re glad the City of Winnipeg’s police service is investigating and looking to see if this is more than just one-off situations,” McInnes said.
He said the outbreak of fire during the construction phase can destroy a property.
“First and foremost is the safety aspect and ensuring the construction site is safe,” McInnes said.
“But certainly the impact a fire can have on a construction site, and the damage that causes for construction that is already underway — and now has to be whether it’s demolished or salvaged and rebuilt — certainly adds both time delays and additional costs to the project.”
Anyone with information about the fires are asked to contact Winnipeg police major crimes investigators at 204-986-6219.
morgan.modjeski@winnipegfreepress.com