An iconic Burnaby pub was destroyed early Saturday in what investigators are calling a suspicious fire.
The Marine Pub in the 5800-block of Marine Drive was completely engulfed in flames within minutes after the blaze broke out at around 2:30 a.m., drawing a large number of firefighters to battle it.
Thirty-four firefighters from the Burnaby Fire Department were needed to knock down the flames
At one point, flames shot up to 24 metres in the air, according to officials, but fortunately no one was injured.
Police said the fire appears to be suspicious but have yet to determine a cause, which could take days.
Pal Sing, the pub’s owner, said he has been poring over surveillance footage from home to try to figure out what happened – and thinks he’s solved it.
“I saw this guy put two patio chairs upside down and put a fire underneath, on the corner of the patio. Then I called 911,” he said.
Singh called his maintenance manager David Bates, who lives nearby the pub. Rushing over as fast as he could with a camera in hand, Bates discovered intense flames on the patio and began searching for a possible arsonist.
“I went around the building and looked for…listened for any cries for help. Any sign of someone fleeing,” he said. “I’m shocked. This is an arson incident that has been occurring frequently in this neighbourhood.”
So far police have not arrested a suspect.
The fire has put 22 employees out of work, some who have been working there since 1986, according to the pub’s original owner Anthony Kalanj.
Singh said he vows to rebuild the pub as soon as possible.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Julie Nolin
