(St. John’s, NL) August 14, 2025 — The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has arrested a man for intentionally setting brush fires in St. John’s.

In a two-hour period between 10:30 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 12) and 12:30 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 13), the St. John’s Regional Fire Department responded to a number of brush fires in downtown St. John’s within blocks of one another on Lemarchant Road and New Gower Street. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no structural damage reported.

A 20-year-old man will appear in court today to face criminal charges of arson with the disregard of human life.

The investigation is ongoing in consultation with Resource Enforcement Officers of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture.

A fire ban is in effect across Newfoundland and Labrador. Open fires are not permitted.

To report a fire call 911. Report anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com. A $5,000 reward is available to anyone who offers information that leads to the identification and arrest of those responsible for starting a wildfire.

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File # 2025-55254

 

Cst. James Cadigan, #775
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
709-729-8658