In the wake of three fires yesterday in North Vancouver and Vancouver, an arson charge has been laid.

Meanwhile, three separate fires took place yesterday and today in the Lower Mainland—one that damaged several vehicles, one resulting in fatalities, and a third in which a mother and children escaped harm. (No connection between these cases have been stated or implied.)

Abbotsford

The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) stated on March 30 that officers received a report at 2 a.m. about a theft from a vehicle in the 32800 block of Marshall Road in Abbotsford.

When officers arrived at the location, they saw large plumes of smoke rising from a fire at an open-air parking lot at an apartment building.

The APD stated that the fire started near a carport and damaged seven vehicles that were parked underneath.

The suspect had fled before police arrived. No injuries were reported.

Investigators are working to determine if the theft and fire are related, and whether or not the fire was intentionally set.

Any witnesses or anyone with footage is asked to contact the APD at 604-859-5225.

Maple Ridge

Ridge Meadows RCMP stated today that around 5 p.m. on March 30, police responded a fire in the 11900 block of Stephen Street in Maple Ridge.

Officers arriving at the location saw smoke billowing out from the residence and the Maple Ridge Fire Department was battling the blaze.

Witnesses advised police that a woman and a dog were possible inside the home.

Unfortunately, fire crews later found both the woman and dog had died.

Police and the fire department have launched investigations into the fire.

Next of kin are being notified and the woman’s identity has not been released.

In a separate case, Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows News reported that a mother and her two children escaped from a fire around 3 a.m. today (March 31) at their townhouse at 11741 207th Street in Maple Ridge.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.