Arson suspect arrested after fire on Squamish Nation land

West Vancouver Police say one man was arrested Sunday night in connection with a house fire investigators believe was set on purpose.

The house lit on fire was in the 300-block of Kawtin Road, which is within the Squamish Nation’s Capilano Reserve.

Firefighters responded just after 9 pm, and quickly brought the fire under control, according to a police news release.

One person was inside the home at the time, but they managed to get out unharmed. The building itself suffered extensive damage.

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“With the help of witness information, a suspect in relation to the fire was quickly located nearby, and taken into custody without incident,” police said.

The suspect is a 33-year-old man from Surrey. Police say they’re recommending criminal charges.

“This is a situation that could have been much worse,” Const. Kevin Goodmurphy said. “The alleged actions of our suspect put many lives at risk.”