A fire that damaged a fast-food restaurant in downtown Nanaimo Tuesday is believed to have been deliberately set, according to authorities. Nanaimo RCMP said officers were called to the scene on Victoria Crescent just after 4 a.m. A suspect was identified by reviewing CCTV video, and arrested around 11 a.m., a statement from the detachment said. “This fire had the potential to cause significant damage and place lives and neighbouring businesses at risk,” the statement said, adding that firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze. “We take incidents of this nature very seriously and remain committed to holding those responsible accountable for actions that put our community at risk.” Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the detachment—adding there is one person authorities are particularly interested in speaking to. The witness is described as an adult man who parked his red Tesla outside of the restaurant at the time the fire started. “The adult man left the scene but did call 911. His identity is unknown and investigators would like to speak with him,” the statement from Nanaimo RCMP said. That man is urged to call 250-754-2345, as is anyone else who may be able to assist the police.
