Massive East Hastings fire deemed ‘suspicious’, police investigating
Posted April 24, 2025 11:39 am.
Last Updated April 24, 2025 7:15 pm.
Police say a criminal investigation is underway after a massive fire that damaged multiple businesses on a block along Hastings Street in East Vancouver Wednesday was deemed suspicious.
Crews said the fire was put out shortly after 4 a.m., before it expanded and reignited. Ultimately, the busy block was closed for hours until the fire was completely extinguished around 1 p.m.
In an update Thursday, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Sgt. Steve Addison says the investigation into the fire’s origin has been turned over to the major crime section.
“We’re conducting a criminal investigation based on information that Vancouver Fire Rescue Services has given us. They believe that there’s something there that does not look right, that is suspicious,” Addison told 1130 NewsRadio.
He declined to share details of the evidence that led to the suspicion.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) confirms the flames spread through three buildings, including the Dayton Boots building and one that houses Windsor Meats, both considered iconic East Vancouver businesses.
The owner of Dayton Boots, Hall Risk, described the fire as a “nightmare” and, after 13 years, said he doesn’t know what comes next.
“This is my life. And it’s pretty much gone right now,” Risk told CityNews on Wednesday.
VFRS says seven residents of nearby buildings were temporarily displaced out of an abundance of caution, but have since been allowed to return.
“Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries to occupants as all businesses were closed at the time of the fire and no one was inside the structures,” VFRS added.
Impacted buildings have been boarded up and will be assessed for next steps, VFRS says.
—With files from Charlie Carey, Joe Sadowski, and Michael Williams
