Victoria Police say two fires that occurred overnight are being investigated as arsons, and officers are investigating the cause of one other fire.
Officers are investigating fires at the intersection of Broad and View Streets, in the 500-block of Yates Street, and the 1000-block of Balmoral Road.
Just after 2 a.m., Victoria Fire was called to the 1000-block of Balmoral Road, near the intersection of Cook Street, for a hedge fire. This fire was extinguished without injury or significant damage, and the cause is under investigation.
Around 3:40 a.m., Victoria Police was called to the intersection of Broad and View streets for an active fire. Officers observed two separate fires, one against the exterior door of the Bay Centre building. Damage to the exterior doors is being assessed, and the fire is being investigated as arson.
One suspect has been arrested connected with this fire, and are being held for court.
Around 3:55 a.m., officers were called to an alley way in the 500-block of Yates Street for a garbage can fire. Officers found a local resident working to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, and Victoria Fire was able to extinguish the fire. This fire is also being investigated as arson.
There were no injuries in any of the fires.
Investigators are working to determine if these fires are connected with the recent James Bay fires, which are also being investigated as arson.
Investigators are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from these areas between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to save their footage and call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 ext 1.
Patrol officers responded to 2 arsons overnight, 1 View & Broad streets and another in the 500-block of Yates. Another fire is also being investigated. More info to come. #yyj
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) June 24, 2022
If you have dashcam or CCTV from the 1000-block of Balmoral, Broad at View, or the 500-block of Yates from 1:30 to 4:30 a.m. this morning, pls save it & call (250) 995-7654 ext 1.
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) June 24, 2022
Oli Herrera
