On February 24th, 2023, at 2:31am Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara-on-the-Lake) responded alongside the Niagara Falls Fire Department (NFFD) for a residential structure fire located on Ailanthus Avenue south of Dunn Street, in the City of Niagara Falls.
The fire was extinguished by members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department. No physical injuries were sustained as the residence was unoccupied at the time. Damage caused by the fire is estimated to be $400,000.
The cause of the fire has been deemed suspicious prompting the involvement of the Ontario Fire Marshal. Detectives assigned to the 2 District Criminal Investigative Branch have assumed carriage of the investigation. They are being supported by detectives assigned to the Forensic Services Unit.
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity on Ailanthus Avenue or in the surrounding area are being asked to contact detectives. In addition, area residents with CCTV capabilities are being asked to review their surveillance footage and report any relevant information.
To contact the lead detective dial (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1007730.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #23-19007