Investigators are treating as suspicious fire that halted demolition in British Columbia.
Muddy conditions, an incredibly short contract timeline, high levels of recycling required and protestors at the door. These are just some of the challenges facing the contractor working on the demolition of the Little Mountain social housing complex in Vancouver.
But the straw that broke this particular camel’s back was a fire that broke out apparently after demolition crews had left for the evening and which investigators are now treating as suspicious.
For months housing activists have been protesting the demolition of the Little Mountain complex, which is set to be redeveloped into a mix of condominiums and social housing units. Demolition at the site began last week, leaving many of the buildings stripped and empty.
Vancouver Fire Department battalion chief Jeff Dighton said it is still to early for investigators to say what started the blaze, but it was fortunate only one unoccupied building was destroyed.
“Our crews left the site at 4:45pm and by 6:30 the building was up in flames,” says a spokesman for the demolition contractor. “They are still not sure of the cause but arson is suspected.”
Further details can be found here and a video can be viewed here.
