91原创 RCMP are investigating after three vacant houses in Willoughby were the site of fires in a short time on the morning of Tuesday, April 1.

The first fire was reported in the 19900-block of 76 Avenue at about 3:15 a.m., said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom, spokesperson for the 91原创 RCMP.

91原创 Township firefighters arrived to put out that fire, only to be told that another home in the same neighbourhood was also on fire.

The third and final fire was reported at around 5:30 a.m., in the 6900-block of 204 Street.

All three homes were abandoned and slated for demolition, Sharoom said.

"Investigation into these fires are currently on-going and due to the close proximity to all of these incidents, we are treating this as suspicious in nature," he said .

There are a significant number of vacant homes in Willoughby because of the high rate of development in the neighbourhood.

Properties bought for land assembly or future re-development may sit empty for months or even years before they are demolished and new construction starts, and arsons or fires caused accidentally by squatters have taken place in the past several times.

Anyone who was travelling in the areas, near the locations of the fires, between 3 and 6 a.m., who has dash camera footage, is asked to contact the local Mounties and quote file #2025-9444, Sharoom said.

The 91原创 RCMP can be reached at 604-532-3200.