East Vancouver fire that damaged 3 buildings deemed suspicious by investigators

A Wednesday morning fire on East Hastings Street that damaged three buildings, evacuated about seven people, and caused smoke to spread across the city is now being investigated as suspicious. 

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said Friday that information received by the fire rescue service indicates that the fire may have been intentionally set. 

"Fire investigators … believe quite simply something doesn't look right here. They believe it's potentially suspicious or intentionally caused," said Sgt. Steve Addison. 

Addison said police are conducting a thorough criminal investigation. 

He said the fire was disruptive to air quality and traffic in the city on Wednesday, and has impacted the livelihoods of those whose businesses were in the buildings.

"It's been significantly impactful and damaging to a lot of people," said Addison. 

3 businesses affected by early morning fire in East Vancouver

2 days ago

Duration 2:09

Staff and owners of several businesses on Hastings Street are wondering what they'll do next after a massive fire tore through their stores early in the morning. The blaze shut down a stretch of the busy road. The CBC's Jessica Cheung has more on what's been lost.

The fire affected the Indian Chef's Kitchen restaurant, the Windsor Meats butcher shop, retailer Wohlford & Company, and other businesses.

It also impacted local Indigenous hip hop group Snotty Nose Rez Kids, whose recording studio and clothing line were based in the Wohlford & Company building.

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services said Wednesday no injuries were reported. 

While the full extent is still unknown, images and footage captured by CBC show significant damage to the buildings exteriors and interiors.