A suspect has been arrested after multiple dumpster fires were reported on the 1900-block of Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay.

Over the last few weeks, there have been many fires reported behind a multi-residential property. One of the fires involved a mattress that was fully engulfed in flames that spread to a nearby fence.

A 26-year-old Courtenay resident has been linked to multiple fires in the same area, noted Comox Valley RCMP in a news release.

Following a court appearance, he has been released from custody pending his next court date.

Investigators from the frontline, Major Crime Unit, and Street Crimes Unit came together and with assistance from the public, identified a suspect.

鈥淚t was good old-fashioned police work that led to the arrest of the suspect,鈥� said Const. Monika Terragni, Comox Valley RCMP media relations officer.

鈥淲e had investigators in the area talking to residents, gathering video footage, and speaking to witnesses before ultimately making the arrest.鈥�