Vancouver fire investigation determines blaze may have been ‘intentionally set’

Apr 25, 2025 | 3:25 PM

VANCOUVER — Police say a fire that burned two businesses in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday may have been intentionally set.

Spokesman Sgt. Steve Addison says in a statement that information received by the fire department has prompted a criminal investigation.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services said crews responded just after 4 a.m. to the 2200 block of East Hastings Street in East Vancouver.

It said in a news release that firefighters worked for about nine hours to extinguish the blaze, which sent smoke across the city.