RCMP in Mission, B.C., say a fire that forced the closure of a grocery store on Tuesday has been confirmed to be arson.
RCMP and Mission Fire Rescue were called to the Real Canadian Superstore shortly before closing time at 11 p.m., where a fire had broken out in the toilet paper aisle.
Police said the fire spread quickly to other aisles before the sprinkler system activated.
Everyone was able to get out, though some people suffered smoke inhalation. Crews extinguished the fire before it could spread to other parts of the store, but police said smoke and water damage were significant.
On Wednesday, police said they had identified a man who may have information on how the fire started.
On Thursday, RCMP said the man had come forward and was cooperating with the investigation.
In a statement posted to social media, Superstore management said the store would be closed until further notice.
Customers should note that all PC Express pickup and delivery orders will be cancelled.
“We’re cooperating closely with the local authorities and working to get back into the building to understand the scope of the damage,” Loblaw, the owner of Superstore, said in a statement.