Squamish RCMP have confirmed that the Woodfibre LNG/FortisBC Community Office in Squamish was the subject of an arson attack in the early hours of this morning.

RCMP had Cleveland Ave. between Pemberton Ave. & Winnipeg St. closed off early this morning while fire crews attended to the blaze. RCMP Staff Sargent of the Sea to Sky Detachment Jolaine Percival says the fire damaged the building and it’s rafters.

RCMP close Cleveland Ave. in the early hours of Thursday morning.
RCMP close Cleveland Ave. in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Percival says an investigator is on the way to investigate the cause of the blaze. Police will remain on scene for several hours this morning, however Cleveland Ave. has been re-opened to traffic.

Squamish Fire Chief Bill Stoner says they were called to a structure fire at 38143 Cleveland Avenue at around 4:00 am Thursday morning. Light smoke and fire were present on arrival. Stoner says  “An efficient response by Squamish Fire allowed for quick extinguishment and confined the fire to the compartment of origin.” Approximately 30 firefighters attended the blaze.

Woodfibre LNG / Fortis BC office, downtown Squamish
Woodfibre LNG / Fortis BC office, downtown Squamish

Jennifer Siddon Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Woodfibre LNG says in a statement that the fire was primarily contained to the front of the Community Office, and quickly put out. Siddon says the office was closed at the time and no staff were in the office.

Woodfibre LNG are thanking Squamish Fire Rescue and Squamish RCMP for their quick response to the incident. The office will remain closed while the necessary repairs are made.

Viviana Zanocco Community and Aboriginal Relations Manager, External Relations FortisBC acknowledged in a statement that there was a fire related incident at the office in Squamish. Zanocco said “Ensuring employee and public safety is our number one priority at FortisBC”.

Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC both declined further comment as the investigation is on going.

Filed under: Arson, Downtown, FortisBC, RCMP, Squamish, WoodfibreLNG