Police are investigating a suspicious fire inside the Real Canadian Superstore in Mission on Tuesday night (Oct. 22).
A Mission RCMP update on Thursday (Oct. 24) confirmed the blaze was an arson.
"Although it may seem obvious that a fire in a toilet paper aisle must have been intentionally set, investigators needed time to confirm there was no other possible source of ignition – such as from an electrical fault," Mission RCMP said.
The Superstore was evacuated after a fire started in the toilet paper aisle shortly before closing time at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Before Mission Fire Rescue Service arrived, the blaze was slowed by two employees who emptied six fire extinguishers in the area. The sprinkler system was also activated.
MFRS said crews experienced heavy smoke upon arrival but made a "quick, aggressive, interior attack" to extinguish the fire.
"Extensive ventilation was required because the entire structure had been filled with smoke. It was assisted with vent fans, and we eventually got a flow path created by using hydraulic ventilation from a fire hose near the back of a structure," MFRS assistant chief Ian Glasgow said.
All three fire stations and 33 firefighters attended the incident, along with Mission RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, but RCMP say some customers and employees experienced minor smoke inhalation. MFRS says there is smoke damage throughout the store, in addition to fire damage and water damage.
A social media post from the local Superstore branch stated that the store will be closed until further notice.
"We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused and will provide updates as they come," Real Canadian Superstore said.
An update on Thursday morning (Oct. 24) from the Superstore said restoration crews are on-site to work through the damage and debris from the fire.
"Our staff have been given access to the building and we are working as quickly and safely as possible to get our store open for you as soon as we can. At this time, our store remains closed to the public with no set ETA to open, but we can assure you that we are working around the clock to open our doors to you as soon as possible and will provide another update on a timeline when we can," the post reads.
Mission Fire Rescue Service and Mission RCMP remained on scene Wednesday morning (Oct. 23) for an investigation.
"Fire investigators and Mission RCMP are currently working together to gather evidence – both from an examination of the fire scene, as well as from interviews of witnesses and from a review of CCTV footage," police said in a statement.
On Wednesday evening, Mission RCMP also released a photo to the public of "someone that they would like to identify and speak with about the fire". Police said the man was in the area where the fire started but have not determined he is a suspect.
In the detachment's Thursday update, police said the man came forward and is cooperating with the investigation.
Those with information are urged to call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161.
