Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (July 30/99) - Fire crews have been kept busy in Fort Simpson answering five calls in the last two weeks to extinguish grass fires which officials believe were intentionally set.

Fire Chief Pat Rowe said the fires were likely started by children.

"We've found freezie wrappers and pop cans at the scene and evidence of a campfire," Rowe said.

The fires have been set in and around residential areas, Rowe said. With the fire rating high, Rowe said the potential for serious property damage and injury or loss of life is imminent, should these fires continue.

"Any fire right now is dangerous," he warned. "If one of these fires was to get away we could see a major catastrophe."

In the last three days fire crews have attended three fires in wooded areas near residential areas.

Rowe urges parents to educate their children as to the seriousness of these arsons.