Yellowknife (Nov 01/06) - Someone is setting fires around tanks of fuel in the bush near Con Mine, behaviour which could seriously injure or even kill a passerby, says the Yellowknife Fire Department.

Deputy fire chief Chucker Dewar said the fire department has responded to five suspicious fires in the past few weeks in the bush around Con Mine. The natural area close to the downtown core attracts hikers and dog walkers.

In the most recent incident on Oct. 26, a man out walking his dog spotted a small fire and went closer to check it out before calling the fire department. Dewar said firefighters found a full 20- pound tank of propane in the flames. He said had it exploded, someone could have been seriously injured.

"We have concern for the individuals taking this action and also for the members of the public who are out walking in the area," he said. "A 20-pounder could hurt or kill somebody."

The first few incidents were minor brush fires which were started with flammable liquids. Dewar said the fires are increasing in severity as the culprit or culprits are now building boxes out of logs, putting propane tanks or cylinders of other flammable gases such as acetylene inside, and setting the boxes aflame.

"It's high risk behaviour," said Dewar.

He warns anyone in the area who sees a fire in the bush not to go near it, and to call the fire department immediately.