Large fire at PNE deemed 'suspicious' as VPD begin investigation

One of British Columbia’s more iconic tourist attractions suffered a large fire overnight.

At about 12:30 am on Sunday, a fire broke out at a building on the grounds of the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver’s Hastings Park.

Fortunately, the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responded to the fire quickly and were able to put it out.

The fire was contained to the smaller of the two buildings in the technical works yard and no injuries were reported. This area is located about one kilometere northwest of the infamous PNE Playland.

According to a release, the area that caught fire contains two buildings with office space, trade workshops, supplies, vehicle and equipment storage. Some PNE memorabilia was also being stored in the area.

An undetermined amount of equipment, 20 vehicles, tools and supplies were lost to the fire.

The Vancouver police are now conducting an investigation and have deemed the fire as "suspicious." They have determined that this fire has caused thousands of dollars in damage.

The PNE’s media spokesperson does confirm that the fire will not impact any of the vents scheduled in the park, including the farmers market, Monster Jam and various music events.

view from across the street pic.twitter.com/m7j3YfAqfz

— Brandon Weidema (@therealweidy) February 20, 2022

We are grateful that there have been no injuries reported as a result of the fire on our site last night, and the quick work of @VanFireRescue prevented much larger losses.

— PNE / Playland (@PNE_Playland) February 20, 2022