Mission RCMP have arrested a man suspected of being involved in the arson of the Canadian Tire store last Wednesday.
Staff Sgt. Steve Crawford said in a press release issued today that the man has been released pending further investigation by the Mission RCMP plainclothes section and consultation with Crown counsel.
The fire took place at about 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the store on London Avenue in Mission, and investigators believe it was intentionally set.
“This fire caused significant damage to the store, which was open and serving customers at the time,” Crawford said.
“It was very fortunate that no one that was in the store at the time of the fire was injured.”
Crews were called back to the location a second time – at about 2 a.m. on Jan. 31 – when a second fire began to burn.
Fire Chief Dale Unrau said that after crews battled the initial blaze, they ventilated the building and checked for hot spots with a final check of a thermal camera, but there were none.
Police stayed on the scene throughout the night, watching the building until the investigating team arrived in the morning.
Mission RCMP are continuing to request that anyone who was in the area of Canadian Tire between 6 and 7 p.m. on Jan. 30 and may have witnessed anything suspicious contact them at 604-826-7161.
They can also contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or bccrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous.
Police are also asking that anyone come forward who might have dash-cam footage from that day and time.
RELATED: Fire at Mission’s Canadian Tire now considered suspicious
– with files from Kevin Mills