FIREFIGHTERS and North Vancouver RCMP are investigating after an early morning fire torched several vehicles and put an entire Lower Lonsdale apartment block at risk.
The first 9-1-1 call came in around 2:45 a.m. as flames enveloped a brand new Mazda parked in the carport of Cheryl Manor at 210 East Second St.
North Vancouver City Fire Department members were on the scene and had the fire doused within 15 minutes but the blaze spread to two surrounding cars and a motorcycle.
Firefighters evacuated tenants from the building, all of whom have since been allowed to return, except for the residents of one unit, which was damaged by smoke, according to Cpl. Doug Trousdell, North Vancouver RCMP spokesman. There were no injuries in the blaze.
The fire apparently started among some items being stored on the ground in front of the burned Mazda.
"For that time of night and what it was, it's definitely suspicious," said fire Chief Dan Pistilli.
While it's too soon to say if it was arson, the North Vancouver RCMP are asking anyone who might have witnessed anything around the time the fire broke out to contact the detachment at 604-985-1311. In the meantime, officers have been interviewing residents of the building and nearby witnesses.
