RCMP say Back Bay wharf fires were arson, seeking suspect

RCMP have now labelled three separate fires that happened at the wharf in Back Bay, near St, George in southwestern New Brunswick, as arson.

Members of the Eastern Charlotte Fire Department responded to a call at 3:30 a.m. Thursday about a vehicle on fire at the wharf, but when they arrived discovered that a commercial fishing boat and building were also on fire.

The fire in the building, at 24 Back Bay Loop Rd., was extinguished before it was damaged, said Justin Johnston, fire chief for Eastern Charlotte. He said it is owned by Kelly Cove Salmon, which is part of Cooke Aquaculture.

The vehicle and the boat, the Maritime Queen, were both severely damaged, said Johnston, and they are owned by other individuals.

A commercial fishing boat, a vehicle and a building were all damaged by separate fires early morning Thursday in Back Bay. (Roger Cosman/CBC)

The fires were far enough apart that they wouldn't have caught fire from each other, Johnston said.

Another boat and structure were damaged in the fire, an RCMP new release said on Friday.

The release said the fires were set on purpose by one person who arrived and left the scene on foot.

Police have distributed a photo of a suspect that shows a man with his head down, a dark hooded jacket, jeans, gloves and rubber boots. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP.

A vehicle was also burned in the fire. (Roger Cosman/CBC)

An RCMP spokesperson directed further questions to an officer with the St. George detachment, but CBC News was unable to reach him Friday afternoon.