The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is actively searching for a suspect after a fire at the Masonic hall at the intersection of Rupert Street and East 29 Avenue.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services were called around 7 a.m. to a fire at the Park Lodge Masonic Hall at 4474 Rupert Street this morning according to Acting Assistant Fire Chief Mike Serada. When they arrived they found a small fire which was quickly doused with limited damage.
The VPD was on scene first, he adds, as a passerby saw suspicious activity.
The fire is under investigation now.
"Vancouver Police is investigating an arson at the Masonic Hall near Rupert Street and East 29th Avenue. Officers are actively searching for the suspect," writes Cst. Tania Visintin in an email to Vancouver is Awesome. "Officers will be posted at all other Masonic halls in Vancouver."
While the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services indicated someone had been taken into custody, the VPD have clarified and indicated no arrests have been made and a suspect is at large.
Fires occurred at two other Masonic centres in North Vancouver this morning as well; so far police and fire services have not said if the three are linked.
The VPD and North Shore RCMP are working together to find any links between the three fires, Visintin writes.
Groups impacted by the fire have been alerted.
Rudy Lakovic was at home when police arrived at his door.
