Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 11/98) - A charred mess of bare metal and burnt leather are all that remains of a car set on fire by an unidentified man Tuesday night.

The Yellowknife fire department responded to a report of a burning car at 4505 49th Ave. at about 9:40 p.m.

Deputy fire Chief Mike Lowing said the car was located behind a multi-family residential dwelling close to the Frobisher House parking lot.

"It was a four-door compact vehicle which was completely destroyed," said Lowing.

"An eye-witness had called the fire department saying that he saw someone pouring something from a jerry can into the vehicle and the vehicle was on fire as this was happening."

Lowing said Engine No. 7 was dispatched to the scene, the fire extinguished and the remains of the car towed away by police.

"Right now, we're conducting an investigation into a reported incident of a suspicious fire which we're obviously treating as an arson," said RCMP Sgt. Marlin Degrand.

"The suspect, an unidentified male, was seen leaving the area carrying a jerry can, which was later located in the area by the RCMP who responded immediately.

"Our identification specialists attended the scene, as well as fire department investigators, to do the initial scene investigation around the vehicle."