Man ‘intentionally’ sets van on fire outside Vancouver City Hall: police

A van was seen on fire outside Vancouver City Hall Oct. 6, 2024. Vancouver Fire Rescue tells CityNews the fire appears to have been intentionally set. (Angelyna Mintz/1130 NewsRadio)

By Emma Crawford

Posted October 6, 2024 5:55 pm.

Last Updated October 7, 2024 6:32 am.

Police and fire crews were called to Vancouver City Hall Sunday afternoon after they say a van was intentionally set alight.

A van was seen on fire outside Vancouver City Hall Oct. 6, 2024. Vancouver Fire Rescue tells CityNews the fire appears to have been intentionally set. — A van was seen on fire outside Vancouver City Hall Oct. 6, 2024. Vancouver Fire Rescue tells CityNews the fire appears to have been intentionally set. (Angelyna Mintz/1130 NewsRadio)

Inside the van on fire outside City Hall (Angelyna Mintz/1130 NewsRadio)

Video shows van on fire outside of City Hall. (Angelyna Mintz/1130 NewsRadio Image)

Video and images of the incident show one person being arrested by Vancouver Police Department officers.

In a follow-up statement from the VPD later Sunday evening, Sgt. Steve Addison said police and fire crews found approximately 100 litres of “unburned gasoline in canisters inside the car.”

“The arsonist has been arrested and nobody was hurt. This appears to be an isolated incident and we believe the suspect acted alone. His motivation is unknown at this time,” Addison shared.

Video appears to show one person being arrested at the scene of the fire shortly after it was discovered. (Lauren Stallone/CityNews Image)

Video appears to show one person being arrested outside of CityHall shortly after a van was seen on fire. VFRS says it believes the fire was intentionally set. (Lauren Stallone/CityNews)

Listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver for the latest on this story. You can also follow us on X @CityNewsVAN.

Traffic in the area has also been affected. Listen live every 10 minutes on the ones for traffic updates. You can also follow us on X @NewsRadioVan and subscribe to Traffic Alerts sent directly to your inbox.

With files from Angelyna Mintz and Lauren Stallone.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

All-Canadian Honda Celebration of Light for summer 2025

The annual Honda Celebration of Lights in Vancouver will feature exclusively Canadian pyrotechnic teams this summer.

2h ago

Grey whale washes ashore near Tofino; Cause of death unknown

A grey whale among a population that is listed as a special concern in Canada has washed ashore on a Vancouver Island beach.

2m ago

Gang member wanted Canada-wide arrested in Vancouver, returned to Ontario

Police in Vancouver have arrested a man who they say is a member of the Zone 43 gang and was wanted nationwide for illicit drug and firearms offences. They say the 31-year-old was convicted of 10 different...

1h ago

Salmonella forces recall of Organic Traditions Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds

Health Canada has issued a recall notice of Organic Traditions branded Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds due to the risk of salmonella.

39m ago

Top Stories

All-Canadian Honda Celebration of Light for summer 2025

The annual Honda Celebration of Lights in Vancouver will feature exclusively Canadian pyrotechnic teams this summer.

2h ago

Grey whale washes ashore near Tofino; Cause of death unknown

A grey whale among a population that is listed as a special concern in Canada has washed ashore on a Vancouver Island beach.

2m ago

Gang member wanted Canada-wide arrested in Vancouver, returned to Ontario

Police in Vancouver have arrested a man who they say is a member of the Zone 43 gang and was wanted nationwide for illicit drug and firearms offences. They say the 31-year-old was convicted of 10 different...

1h ago

Salmonella forces recall of Organic Traditions Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds

Health Canada has issued a recall notice of Organic Traditions branded Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds due to the risk of salmonella.

39m ago

Most Watched Today

1:46

RAW: Crowd greets new pope in first public appearance

The first American-born pope in history was announced. 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica as Pope Leo the 14th.

1h ago

1:59

Cardinals have chosen a new pope

Rafael Romo of CNN is in Rome moments after white smoke billowed signalling a new pope has been chosen.

1h ago

1:52

Eby says Canada's premiers think Carney 'did well' in face-to-face with Trump

A day after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Carney and the country’s premiers met to discuss the high-stakes meeting. Monika Gul reports.

22h ago

1:05

Biden criticizes Trump for his 51st state ambitions

Former U.S. President Joe Biden is sitting down for his first television interview since Donald Trump returned to the White House. Speaking on BBC, Biden had some choice words for Trump's desire to take over Canada and other territories.

1:53

Veteran Vancouver police sergeant demoted, suspended for sexual harassment

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner ordered that a Vancouver police sergeant be demoted and suspended without pay for 20 days after admitting he sent inappropriate sexualized messages to female students and officers. Jillian Code reports.