Suspicious fire at scene of last week’s blaze in Kitsilano
Posted July 11, 2018 8:16 am.
Last Updated July 11, 2018 11:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There has been another fire in Kitsilano, at the same place flames ripped through several businesses and apartments last week.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services says the one this morning was just a small fire in the alley behind the Topanga Cafe on West 4 Avenue near MacDonald Street.
Today’s fire has been deemed “suspicious.”
Fire Captain Jonathan Gormick says crews were called just after 6 a.m. today to the wooden structure, which measures about 20 feet by 30 feet. He adds it is linked to one of the businesses destroyed on Thursday.
“I know what business it was linked to, but just for privacy concerns, [I won’t] release that. But I’m not aware of what they were using that building for.”
“We hope it’s an isolated incident, but we cannot overstate the dangers that are imposed by someone who maliciously sets a fire. They’re obviously endangering the responders on scene and they put that neighbourhood in a great amount of danger.”
Sgt. Jason Robillard with Vancouver police says they are working together with the fire department to determine the cause of the fire.
“It’s early on in the investigation and we wouldn’t want to release anything right now that could potentially jeopardize the investigation,” says Robillard, but notes evidence gathered from the scene has led them to believe the fire is suspicious.
Thursday’s fire burned not only the Topanga Cafe, but also Royal Feet and the suite on top of the businesses. That fire has been deemed accidental or some other smoking-related material may be to blame.
A couple who lived in one of the above suites lost everything on that day — the same day of their 15th wedding anniversary.
– With files from Kurtis Doering, Alison Bailey and Hana Mae Nassar
