Suspicious fire at Surrey City Hall causes 'significant' damage
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) is asking the public’s help in identifying a possible suspect linked to a recent fire at Surrey City Hall.
The incident took place on Monday, July 13, at approximately 3:30 a.m., when a blaze caused “significant property damage” to the building.
“SPS Frontline officers responded to a call from Surrey Fire Services (SFS) that they were on scene for a fire at Surrey City Hall, located at 13450 104th Ave.,” said the police department in a release.
“SPS Frontline members arrived and observed the southwest side of the building engulfed in smoke.”
Surrey Fire Fighters Local 1271 & Charitable Society
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According to the police department, SFS told its officers that the fire had most likely started outside of the City Hall in a portable toilet, located against the building.
The blaze then caused the building’s exterior glass to break due to the heat, which allowed smoke to enter City Hall and trigger the interior sprinkler system.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
Surrey Libraries’ City Centre Branch and Surrey City Hall and civic plaza. (Vanprasad/Shutterstock)
“There is no danger to the public because of the fire or damage caused by the fire,” added SPS in a statement.
“The fire is believed to be human-caused, and the initial investigation has resulted in footage of a possible suspect being seen on cameras in the area before the fire started.”
Surrey Police Service
SPS has released a photo of the suspect, described as a white male between the ages of 45 and 65 years old, with short hair and a slim build.
The suspect was also seen wearing:
- light-coloured ballcap
- dark-coloured shirt with a graphic on the front
- dark-coloured shorts
- slides with light-coloured socks
- red and white lanyard around his neck
- a dark-coloured fanny pack around his waist
Surrey Police Service
“SPS is asking anyone who recognizes the suspect or who has information about the fire to please call SPS’ non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file 26-72511 (SP),” urged the police department.