The Surrey Police Service (SPS) is actively investigating a suspicious fire that broke out at city hall during the early hours of Monday morning.
According to authorities, firefighters alerted the police about the blaze around 3:30 a.m. Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered the southwest section of the building shrouded in smoke.
Reports from Surrey Fire Services suggest that the fire likely originated in a portable toilet outside the premises, leading to the shattering of exterior glass due to intense heat. The activation of interior sprinklers was triggered by the smoke infiltrating through the windows, as confirmed by the fire department.
Initial investigations have indicated that the fire was likely caused by human activity, with surveillance footage capturing a potential suspect in the vicinity before the incident.
Described as a male aged between 45 and 65 with short hair and a slender physique, the suspect was observed wearing a light-colored baseball cap, a dark shirt featuring a graphic design, dark shorts, and slides paired with light-colored socks. Furthermore, he had a red and white lanyard around his neck and a fanny pack.
Despite the significant damage sustained by the property, there have been no reports of injuries, as per the SPS.
Law enforcement officials have shared a photograph of the individual in question and are urging anyone who can identify him or has pertinent information regarding the fire to contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, citing file 26-72511 (SP).