Port Moody police seeking suspects in Trasolini Field arson

to the popular artificial turf behind Port Moody Recreation Complex.

Port Moody police (PMPD) are looking for a group of youths that were recently seen intentionally lighting Trasolini Field on fire

The arson took place May 26, leaving behind roughly $4,000 in damage

Just before midnight, Port Moody firefighters were called to “several fires” at Trasolini Field located at 300 Ioco Rd after police received reports of young people using an accelerant to light the blazes.

The group fled into Shoreline Trail when first responders arrived, said PMPD spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias, noting Fire Rescue quickly extinguished the flames before spreading

“We are appealing to the public for help,” he added as efforts to find the suspects since the incident have come up short.

“We believe someone has information that can aid our investigation.”

The turf field is brand new after the city completed a $1 1-million replacement project last fall.

The old field had aged significantly with some adult sports groups, including soccer and field hockey, claiming the turf was hard on their bodies and normally requested times to play at Heritage Woods instead.

Zacharias said investigators are looking for witness accounts and potential video footage of the arson.

Anyone with more information is encouraged to call PMPD at 604461-3456 and quote file-number 2023-2918, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.

PMPD are also using the arson as a public warning for fire dangers in the city.

The current fire rating is “high” as the weather continues to heat up in the transition from spring to summer

In fact, it’s so hot that Zacharias said Port Moody firefighters put out a separate deliberate blaze set near the Shoreline Trail on May 28.

“Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious,” reads the B.C government’s “high” fire danger description

Port Moody residents are strongly encouraged to report any fires or suspicious activity right away by calling 604-4697795.