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Suspicious fire at Branscombe

Police probing possible arson attack at prime heritage site

Richmond RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire at one of the city’s prized heritage sites.

Just before 11 p.m. on Sunday, police were called in to help Richmond Fire-Rescue, which was dealing with a fire at Branscombe House on Railway Avenue near Steveston Highway.

According to emergency services, as well as a small fire burning at the house – a recently restored Edwardian style home – firefighters had to douse flames in a vehicle parked outside. Realizing that the fires may have been set deliberately, Richmond Mounties and an officer from Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services flooded the area searching for a possible suspect. 

According to police, a male wearing dark clothing was reportedly seen in the area.

However, after extensive patrols, a suspect was not found.

The fire, say police, is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is ongoing, alongside Richmond Fire-Rescue.

If anyone has any information on the incident, they are asked to contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or by email at Richmond_Tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.