Police investigate suspected arson at Surrey motel after man allegedly set lobby on fire

Surrey Police Service says arson caused a fire at the Linda Vista Motel in Surrey early Tuesday, Oct. 13. Flames and smoke damaged part of the building in the 6400-block of King George Boulevard. When police were called shortly after 4:45 a.m., Surrey firefighters were already at the scene battling a fire in the lobby. Police say a man entered the motel, allegedly threatened staff and then set the area on fire.

No injuries have been reported, and police do not believe motel guests were displaced. As of Tuesday afternoon, metal fencing surrounded the lobby building, and guests were being asked to check in and out at the motel next door.

The suspect left before fire and police crews arrived. He is described as a man in his 20s, possibly South Asian, White or Hispanic, about six feet tall and of large build, wearing dark-coloured clothing. Police say he may have left the area in a vehicle, but no vehicle description is available.

SPS’s Major Crime Unit and an arson investigator are working with Surrey Fire Services fire investigators to examine the scene and gather evidence. The investigation is in its early stages, and a motive has not been determined.

SPS is asking anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to call its non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-110091 (SP). This includes anyone who was driving in the area at the time and may have dash-cam footage.

Separately, a freelance photographer at the scene reported that firefighters battled a blaze Sunday morning, Oct. 11, at a commercial building in the 13400-block of 108 Avenue in Whalley, Surrey. Because of the building’s age and the fire conditions, crews fought the fire defensively from outside. A second alarm was later called, bringing in additional crews to assist about 25 firefighters in total.