WATCH: A warning today from emergency officials in Vancouver after two suspicious fires. Catherine Urquhart reports.
Vancouver emergency officials are telling people to take precautions after two suspicious fires Wednesday evening.
One happened at Stanley Park information kiosk and washroom complex. The quick work of police prevented the buildings from burning to the ground.
Damage from the fire appears to be minimal.
Police are also investigating another suspicious fire, this one of an SUV, on Wellington Avenue and Aberdeen Street.
The fire also damaged another vehicle in front of the SUV.
Police say the fire appears to be deliberately set.
They believe the two fires were set by different people, but are reminding residents to keep their yards and alleys clear of debris that could potentially be used as a fuel source and report any suspicious activity to police.
“As the warmer, dryer weather approaches, we tend to see more fires that are deliberately set using combustible material around our homes,” says VPD spokesperson Sergeant Randy Fincham. “Please do your part in removing flammable material such as mattresses, construction debris, recycling and gas cans from around your home, reducing the chances that your family will be the victims of an intentionally lit fire.”
A third fire that happened Saturday is still under investigation.
The three-alarm blaze on Broadway and Fraser forced more than 20 people out of their homes after destroying one building and damaging two others. Police are still investigating whether or not the fire was set intentionally or was due to carelessness.
MORE: Massive apartment fire in Vancouver displaces dozens of residents
These incidents have prompted warning from emergency officials.
“Don’t put your garbage cans or recycling bins out until the morning of,” Vancouver Fire Cpt. Gabe Roder said. “Make sure any clutter you have around your garage or back alley way is empty.”
Vancouver Police are asking anyone with information about the three fires to contact them.
– With files from Nicole Gibillini
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