Police are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect in an East Vancouver arson that caused more than $100,000 in damage.

The fire was sparked near Nanaimo and Copley streets at around 3 p.m. on Aug. 21, destroying a hedge, two garages with cars inside, and a utility pole.

Surveillance video captured a man walking in the east lane of Nanaimo around that time and placing his hand into a dry hedge behind a home. He is seen walking away, then a plant catches fire moments later.

"Setting a fire in a residential neighbourhood in the height of such a dry summer was reckless and dangerous," Sgt. Jason Robillard said. "We are eager to identify this suspect as soon as possible."

Jade Allawigan lives directly across the narrow lane where the fire was sparked with his wife and children.

"That garage is six feet away from my garage… I just ran," he told CTV News.

Allawigan said the neighbourhood is quiet and friendly, and the crime doesn't make sense.

"There's no reason someone would do this. They are nice people… Hopefully he will be caught by the police, and pay the price."

The suspect is described as an 5'10" tall Aboriginal man in his late 20s or early 30s with a slim build. He has a tattoo on the left side of his neck and may have others on his arm.

"He does walk with a distinctive limp or gait when he walks," Robillard said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 604-717-2541, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-847.