AFTER a thorough investigation by Surrey RCMP, a man has been charged with arson following two fires within 12 hours of each other in Surrey.

Shortly before midnight on May 28, Surrey RCMP officers assisted Surrey Fire Service who were on the scene of a fire at a building in the 10000-block of 117 Street in Surrey. There were two businesses on the lower level as well as residential units on the upper level of the building that sustained significant fire and water damage. The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit led this investigation.

Less than twelve hours later, Surrey Fire Service and Surrey RCMP officers responded to a report of a man allegedly setting fires to bushes in the area of 104 Avenue and 122 Street. Officers located the man who was hiding in the area and arrested him for arson.

Surrey RCMP frontline officers led this investigation and on June 1, 52-year-old Paul Robinson was charged with arson to inhabited property, and arson in relation to both incidents.

Robinson has been remanded into custody until his next court appearance on June 13.

“Thankfully no one was injured as a result of these fires,” said Media Relations Officer Sgt. Tammy Lobb. “With the dry conditions leading into summer and ongoing wildfires around the province, Surrey RCMP is asking the public to report any suspicious activity related to fires.”