From the BC RCMP Newsroom:
Prince Rupert
2025-01-03 11:50 PST
File # 2024-7589
On Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at 1:42 am the Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a noise complaint at an apartment complex in the 200 block of Sherbrooke Ave.
While in the apartment, the officer heard the fire alarms going off and immediately started to alert residents to evacuate the building. The Prince Rupert Fire Department attended the scene and was able to gain control of the fire. The residents were all safely evacuated from the apartment complex.
The Prince Rupert RCMP took conduct of the scene and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. With the assistance of the Office of Fire Commissioner, the Prince Rupert Fire Department and the Forensic Identification Section of the RCMP it was determined that the fire was deliberately set.
As a result of the investigation the RCMP have arrested one individual in connection with the arson. BC Prosecution Services have approved charges of Arson – Disregard for human life. 30-year-old Garon Michael Dennis Weir remains in police custody.
The Prince Rupert RCMP would like to thank everyone who assisted the residents of the apartment complex during this difficult time. The people of Prince Rupert came together to assist the 100 occupants who were displaced because of the senseless act of one individual who ruined the holiday season for many. If it wasn’t for the action of the first responders the result of the fire would have been much worse, said S/Sgt. Jagdev Uppal, Operations NCO of the Prince Rupert RCMP.
If anyone has any information in relation to the apartment fire, and have not already spoken to the police, they can contact the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136
Released for:
S/Sgt. Jagdev Uppal
Prince Rupert RCMP
250- 627-0766
Jagdev.Uppal@rcmp-grc.gc.ca