A fire outside a downtown Nanaimo restaurant that caused significant damage was likely set intentionally, police say.
The fire at Bar Luna on Victoria Road was reported by an on-duty RCMP officer about 4:50 a.m. Friday.
Fire crews were on scene within minutes and were able to keep the fire to the exterior of the building.
RCMP said flames caused extensive damage to the exterior, while the inside of the building sustained smoke and water damage.
“Based on discussions with fire inspectors, the fire is deemed suspicious and was most likely intentionally set,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Investigators are canvassing the area looking for CCTV camera footage and potential witnesses. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
