Fire officials have said autobin fires this year are on pace with the number of fires in 2006 -- a 51 per cent increase from 2005. The Arson Strike Force investigated more than 1,200 dumpster fires and arrested 167 people for arson, the highest number in the past five years. Ninety-two of those arrested were under 12 years old.

"We've had an incredible year," [Alex Forrest] said. "Because of the number of fires our firefighters fight more fires than Edmonton and Calgary combined."

"Most of the fires are at the most deadly of times when people are sleeping," Forrest said.