A fire that seriously damaged several New Westminster businesses last week is now being called suspicious by local police.
Police are seeking witnesses to a Jan. 29 fire in the 900 block of 12th Street.
“The Major Crime Unit has deemed this fire to be suspicious in nature,” read a tweet by the New Westminster Police Department. “Police are continuing to request anyone with information, dashcam footage, CCTV of the fire to please call the Major Crime Unit Information Line at (604) 529-2430.”
Several small businesses were affected by the stubborn fire at 12th Street and 10th Avenue on the New Westminster/Burnaby border.
New Westminster fire crews responded to reports of an explosion and fire at a barber shop called Master Fade.
When crews arrived, there was heavy smoke showing from the roof and from inside three to four businesses.
There was glass strewn across 12th Street from the explosion.
New Westminster firefighters were assisted by crews in Burnaby as the fire became stubborn and appeared to be travelling in the ceiling.
More than 40 firefighters were on the scene battling the blaze.
