NORTH BAY -- A criminal investigation in North Bay is underway after multiple garbage and recycling bins were intentionally lit on fire in the early morning hours of Aug.7.

The flames in two bins spread causing some damage to a home.

The charred rubble from a still standing York Street home shocks nearby neighbour Robert Cariere.

"It's been pretty safe here," said Cariere.

"We've had no issues with vandalism or anything like that."

So, it comes to a surprise for Cariere that police are on the lookout for someone who they believe has been lighting garbage and recycling bins on fire in the York Street area.

Police were called at 3 a.m. to a report of recycling bins on fire in front of the complainant’s home.

The fire was extinguished by police and the property owner. No one was observed in the area by responding officers.

A half an hour later, a second fire was reported in the 400 block area of York Street.

Police, again, attended the home of Saverio Macri, who was sleeping at the time.

"When I looked out the front door, all I saw was flames. It was lit up like it was daytime," recalled Macri.

Police fire used extinguishers from their patrol cars to put out the fire which had by then spread to the home. Macri was rescued safely by officers.

"If it wasn't for the police, the house wouldn't have been in the condition that it was in, that's for sure," said Macri.

Police are now asking for any witnesses to come forward or anyone who might have home security recordings to review them. If anything is thought to be of interest to police, they are urging the public to get in contact right away.

"We're hoping this is an isolated thing and we want to investigate it and find out who is responsible," said Schultz.

Neighbour Bob Baptie says he has never seen any police activity in the 30+ years he's lived in the area.

He's now concerned for himself and other neighbours.

"I'm a little concerned, but I don't believe this was random," said Baptie.

Meanwhile, Macri questions the actions of the perpetrator.

"It's sad things like this happen," he said.

"This is not something you do as a joke. You could kill someone. My kids are going to be here next weekend and if this took place next Friday, my kids would have been in the house."

Anyone with any information is asked to call North Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.