RCMP have determined the fire which destroyed a commercial building in the 1100-block of Third Avenue on Monday was caused by arson, police said in a statement issued on Friday.
Security camera footage from the area appears to show a suspect carrying a Jerry can towards the building. In addition, police are trying to locate a truck that was on the scene at the time.
“Officers from our Investigational Support Team reviewed the video surveillance provided and are now requesting the public’s help in locating the driver of a pickup truck seen driving along Third Avenue at the time the fire breaks out,” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said. “We are asking they come forward to speak with police about any suspicious activity they may have seen.”
The truck is described as a full-sized, two tone, dark-coloured pickup.
The fire downtown broke out just after 4 a.m., minutes after a fire crews and police were called to a residential fire at a four-plex in the 2100-block of Quince Street.
“Fire investigators from Prince George RCMP and Prince George Fire and Service conducted a survey of the home; however, the cause of this fire remains inconclusive,” Cooper said.
No injuries were reported in either fire, and both remain under investigation.
Anyone with information about either fire, or the suspect and suspect vehicle, is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300. Tips can also be made anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca (English only).
Prince George RCMP are also asking home owners and businesses to consider registering their security cameras with the City of Prince George’s CCTV registry. For more information go online to www.princegeorge.ca/cctv (English only).
