In the early morning hours of Friday, September 1, 2017, the Owen Sound Police Service, Owen Sound Fire, Intertownship Fire and Grey Paramedics responded to five active fire calls in the downtown area that investigators believe are related.
At approximately 6:30 a.m, police arrived on the scene of the fifth fire, and were able to assist fire fighters with locating people and clearing thirteen residential units, spanning five addresses in  the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue East. The last fire was extinguished on the west side of the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue East late Friday morning.
Paramedics treated residents at the scene, but there were no injuries that required hospitalization. Victim Services was on scene and provided assistance to victims of the fires.
In all, there were two structure fires and three dumpster fires that were set in the city. The Office of the Fire Marshal was notified and is attending.The fire at 1012 2nd Avenue East resulted in considerable damage to the building, however; residents were able to vacate the building in timely manner. The urgent action of the residents resulted only in several people receiving treatment for minor smoke inhalation.

"The quick and professional response by the Owen Sound Fire & Emergency Services team resulted in the fire being contained in a timely manner," stated Fire Chief Doug Barfoot. "we would like to thank the Inter Township Fire Department for their support and assistance this morning."

The incident at 1012 2nd Avenue East temporarily caused the closure of 10th Street, however; the route has since been reopened to traffic.
The investigation into these suspicious fires is ongoing and has been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the OwenSound Police Service at (519) 376-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent online anonymously to cstip.ca

source: media releases, Owen Sound Police, City of Owen Sound