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Toronto police have released a photo of a 48-year-old man they say set three fires in an office at Old City Hall Monday evening.
Firefighters were called to the southeast corner of the building just after 8 p.m.
“I have not been inside yet, but I understand there is a significant amount of damage inside the building,” Pegg told reporters early Monday night.
In an update later Monday night, Pegg told Global News in a statement that investigators have evidence that the fire may have been deliberate.
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Among the items damaged are a number of court documents, though officials could not say how many or what they are specifically.
The fire set off the building’s sprinkler system, and the fire and water caused about $100,000 worth of damage.
The Office of the Fire Marshal was called in to assist with determining the origin, cause, and circumstances leading up to the fire.
Police said in an update on Wednesday that they’re looking for Toronto resident George Powers in connection with the fire.
The building, which officially opened in 1899, currently operates as an Ontario Court of Justice courthouse and hears criminal cases.
Meanwhile, Pegg credited the sprinkler system for controlling the fire until crews arrived and praised firefighters for their quick work.
“It’s a fantastic old building … always a tragedy when we see fires happen in these types of buildings.”
Anyone with information about the suspect or the fire is asked to call police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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