Multiple arsons in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and downtown core

VANCOUVER Police said on Tuesday they are investigating after several fires were deliberately set on the city’s north side over Easter weekend.

“VPD officers responded to six separate arsons over the long weekend in the Downtown Eastside and the downtown core,” said Sgt. Steve Addison. “Fortunately, there were no injuries and only minor property damage occurred. However, these fires could have caused a lot of harm had they not been doused quickly.”

Four fires occurred April 1 in the Downtown Eastside after someone set fire to garbage bins. A fourth fire occurred that same night in Gastown after someone set fire to various items on the street.

Additional fires were set April 4 near the Plaza of Nations, and on April 5 in a concrete stairwell at the Vancouver Law Courts.

No arrests have been made and VPD detectives are investigating whether the incidents are linked.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.