Delta Police are confirming that an Oct. 7 fire at abandoned residences on 8A Ave in Tsawwassen is considered suspicious.
Police were notified of the fire at approximately 9:20 p.m. On police arrival the first residence at 5375 8A Ave was noted to be fully engulfed in flames and the neighbouring abandoned residence at 5385 Ave also suffered significant fire damage. A third property at 5361 8A Avenue suffered damage to its eastern side, likely due to the heat of the blaze.
Police were engaged in containing vehicle and pedestrian traffic the night of the fire to ensure Delta Fire had space to safely do their jobs. Neighbouring residences were also evacuated for a time due to risk of the fire potentially spreading.
All of the homes impacted by the fire were confirmed to be vacant and were slated for demolition.
“Police believe these fires are suspicious in nature,” said Delta Police spokesperson Cris Leykauf. “Officers are still looking to speak with witnesses from this night, particularly a male seen on a bike by several witnesses.”
Leykauf added police have no reason to suspect the fires are related to an Oct. 2 fire in Ladner Village that has also been deemed suspicious and a photo of a person of interest carrying what appears to be a jerry can has been released to the public in the hope he might be identified.
“We understand there may be some concern in Delta with the recent fire in Ladner, but officers wish to reassure the community that they do not believe the fire at the abandoned Tsawwassen residences is linked to the recent fire at the tattoo shop in Ladner.”
If you have any information regarding the Oct. 7 fire and have not yet spoken to police please call 604-946-4411 and quote file 19-23136. If you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers 24/7 at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
