Several alert citizens sprung into action to both extinguish a grass fire and maintain observations of the person responsible for intentionally setting it early Saturday evening in Owen Sound.    

The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. when a 28-year-old man was observed by keen- eyed citizens leaving the scene of the grass fire which was set in the field directly across from Georgian College on 8th Street East. 

After observing the situation, the citizens multitasked to both contain the fire and keep an eye on the offender until Owen Sound Police and Owen Sound Fire arrived at the scene.

Members of the Owen Sound Fire Service assessed the area and ensured that the fire had been completely extinguished and prevented it from re-igniting and spreading in the large field.  

Owen Sound Police arrested the offender in the area and seized evidence from the fire scene that included an accelerant.  The offender, a person of no fixed address, was charged with Arson as well as Failure to Comply with his Probation Orders.  The accused will answer to the charges in August at the Ontario Court of Justice.

Police would like to extend their appreciation to each of the citizens who intervened.  Their selfless actions prevented the fire from spreading over a potentially large area and was crucial in the location and identification of the offender.  

source: media release, OSPS