A series of fires at an apartment complex in Burnaby has RCMP turning to the community in hopes someone has information that might lead investigators to a suspect.
On Jan. 3 at 7:27 a.m. there was a small fire in the stairway of an apartment at 7575 Kingsway Ave. in South Burnaby. A resident used a fire extinguisher to stop the fire before it got out of control and there was minor damage to the drywall and carpet, according to Insp. Bob Page of Burnaby RCMP.
The following day, on Jan. 4, a second fire was reported, this time on the ground floor of the building around 7 p.m. Again a tenant was able to extinguish the fire before it got out of control, Page added.
“Then there’s a third fire on Jan. 24,” Page said.
This time the Burnaby Fire Department was called out to the apartment complex after an alarm was triggered. Firefighters located the small fire in the first floor hallway and put it out. The fire caused only minor damage to the wall and carpet, Page added.
“We’re looking for anyone who might have information on these (fires),” Page said. “We’ve also got a notice out to the tenants to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity.”
Mounties are concerned about the similarities between each fire and how many have occurred in such a short period of time. Page said this could indicate all three fires were started by the same person, but who that person is and what his or her motive is, continues to evade investigators.
“The investigation is ongoing so for the purpose of the integrity of the investigation I don’t want to disclose where we’re at, but definitely we’re looking for anyone who might have information to call (police),” he said.
While none of the fires have caused any major damage or injuries, police are worried about the locations of the fires.
“Like any fire, it can spread, and when they’re in stairways, that’s points of exit so that’s very concerning for us,” Page said.
Anyone with information on these fires is asked to contact the Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7922 and ask to speak with the arson investigator with the detachment’s economic crime unit. People can also report any tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If anyone witnesses a fire, they are reminded to call 911 immediately.
