ON May 15, 2016, several arsons and other property crimes occurred throughout the City of White Rock, including the burning of a multi-family residential structure under development at 15219 Royal Avenue and the adjacent occupied apartment building at 15210 Pacific Avenue. Known as the ‘Five Corners Fire’, this arson resulted in a serious risk to life, displaced approximately 100 people from their home, disrupted local businesses, caused millions of dollars in damage, and affected the city’s water quality and supply due to the fire suppression efforts.

On July 6, 2021, the White Rock RCMP arrested two males, one from the local area and another from outside the Lower Mainland for a number of offences, including arson, break-and-enter, and theft. The suspects were released and recommendations for charges will be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service.

“This was a detailed and complex investigation that involved multiple evidentiary scenes, forensic analysis, the involvement of approximately 120 police and civilian witnesses that held a small piece of the puzzle or contributed to the investigation over the last five years, and the assistance of over a dozen RCMP detachments and units,” said Staff-Sgt. Kale Pauls.

“There were some dedicated officers and municipal employees that were persistent in uncovering all the available evidence to get this investigation to this point. We would like to thank the community and victims of this fire for their patience in awaiting this news. We are hopeful that the ongoing proceedings will allow for further closure as the details are disclosed in the judicial process.”

There will be no further release of information on this matter at this time, police said.