Delta police continue to investigate a suspicious early morning fire that gutted an office building in Tsawwassen on New Year’s Day.
The fire is the fourth suspicious blaze in South Delta in the past three months, which has led to speculation that an arsonist could be at play, but DPD is downplaying that conjecture – at least for now.
“It is really too early to know whether there are any links between this fire and any other fire that we are investigating,” said DPD spokesperson Cris Leykauf. “The investigators need to keep an open mind because they don’t want to rule anything out. They are going to follow where the evidence leads.”
Leykauf said it’s fortunate no one was injured in the Jan. 1 fire on 12th Avenue, the two fires in vacant homes in Tsawwassen in October as well as the October fire at a tattoo shop in Ladner, all of which are still under investigation.
“There are different circumstances surrounding these fires. The two previous in Tsawwassen were in empty homes scheduled for demolition and this latest one was to a commercial building,” she said.
Police are encouraging anyone with video clips, photos or details to share them with authorities. Those with information can contact police at 604-946-4411.
“If there is anything anyone observed, even driving by, have a dash cam, or noticed some suspicious behaviour, please contact police and let our investigators know. Even a small bit of information might be relevant,” she said.
Delta firefighters and DPD were called to the blaze in the 5400-block of 12th Avenue just after 4 a.m. The three-storey wood frame building was significantly damaged, displacing Serenity Dental, Nature’s Design Dental and Modern Music School Vancouver.
Deputy fire Chief Brad Wilson said at the height of the fire call-out, 24 firefighters fought the blaze, performing a defensive attack as it was deemed unsafe to perform an interior attack
“Our crews did an incredible job confining the fire to the building of origin as there were several buildings exposed to the fire,” said Wilson.
DPD evacuated several area residents, who were able to return to their homes around 8 a.m.
Staff at both dental offices have posted several updates to social media praising the efforts of the fire department as well as community members who reached out offering their support.
Both dental offices are operating out of temporary facilities or other dental offices in the community until they locate, new permanent homes, while the music school is also looking at securing a new space.
