Kamloops Mounties think they got their man — and now, they're hoping, the city will see fewer grassfires.

A man was taken into custody in the early-morning hours of Saturday after investigators went old-school — with some high-tech gear — and staked out the area surrounding Peterson Creek Park, which has been razed by multiple suspicious fires in recent months.

According to Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Doug Aird, the 50-year-old suspect was caught red- — or black- — handed.

Police began monitoring the man early Saturday in downtown Kamloops.

"The suspect was followed by plainclothes officers from Columbia Street to the courthouse, through the parking lot and across to Peterson Creek area," Aird said.

"From there, officers with night-vision scopes followed the suspect, who went behind trees for 20 seconds.

"Suddenly, the trees caught fire and officers observed the suspect leaving the area and watching over his shoulder at his handiwork."

Aird said additional cops — including a number of uniformed Mounties and a dog-handler — quickly descended on the scene and arrested the suspect.

But the fire was still burning.

"Due to the tinder-dry conditions, the fire spread rapidly — travelling 150 to 200 meters up the hill within minutes," Aird said, noting fire crews were called in and tackled the blaze before it threatened any homes.

It was extinguished shortly after 3 a.m.

Mounties are confident the suspect arrested early Saturday is responsible for the rash of fires that have hit the Peterson Creek area since the spring.

The man, whose name hasn't been released, is scheduled to appear before a justice of the peace some time this weekend.

More information is expected to be released on Monday.