Chilliwack fire officials say a fire that destroyed a downtown building Monday afternoon was deliberately set.
The fire, which broke out around 2:30 p.m. in the 45000 block of Railway Ave., was fully involved when firefighters arrived.
Minutes earlier someone in a neighbouring building noticed smoke and flame coming from the wood structure and called 911.
Flames quickly tore through roof of the building as a crowd gathered to watch. Sparks crackled from live hydro lines and firefighters poured on water to protect nearby structures.
The building sustained major fire damage and had to be demolished.
The fire was deliberately set and is under investigation by Chilliwack Fire Department and RCMP.
If anyone has any information about this fire, they are asked to call the RCMP at 604-792-4611 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.chilliwackcrimestoppers.ca