Kamloops RCMP and firefighters are investigating a total of six suspicious fires in the span of about 10 hours last night and this morning.

Police say five of the fires were reported in downtown Kamloops last night with the sixth on the North Shore this morning.

Firefighters were called to the alleyway behind the 400-block of Lansdowne Street for the first fire in a dumpster around 10:45 p.m., which police say appeared to be deliberately set.

An hour later, RCMP say four more fires were reported and extinguished in alleyways behind Victoria Street.

Corporal Crystal Evelyn says police were called around to the 700-block of Sydney Avenue for a report of a man lighting grass on fire. She says the man – white, standing about five-foot-eight, in a white muscle shirt, and white pants – fled before police got to the scene.

“The timing and proximity of multiple dumpster fires last night is definitely suspicious and is not believed to be an individual or random event,” Evelyn said.

“Along with our frontline officers, the General Investigations Support Team is also assisting fire investigators in attempting to identify a suspect and address this very serious safety concern.”

One of last night’s fires – besides Frick and Frack – was extremely close to spreading to the building.

“We always encourage businesses to lock their dumpsters and to move them away from their building as much as they possibly can,” KFR Duty Chief, Scott Karpiak, said.

“We realize space is at a premium, but believe that creating some distance between a dumpster and a building can be effective in helping to prevent fire spread through radiant heat or direct flame impingement.”

Evelyn says its not yet clear if last night’s fires are connected to any other recent ones in the city.

Four vehicles were set ablaze in the Aberdeen/Knutsford area on Saturday morning. Police are also investigating a case of arson outside North Shore Canadian Tire late last month, which came on the heels of another series of suspicious fires on both sides of the river.

Both RCMP and KFR are asking witnesses to come forward with information and video that could help identify a suspect.

“If you haven’t already, please take a look at any security footage you may have to see if it captured anything that could be of assistance,” Evelyn added, while also encouraging people to report suspicious vehicles or incidents to police.

Those with information are being told to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000. Those seeking more information on fire safety are being told to reach out to Kamloops Fire and Rescue at 250-372-5131.