The Tim Hortons restaurant on Northfield Road will be closed indefinitely following a late night fire (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fire bug

Purposely set fire ravages Nanaimo Tim Hortons

Aug 2, 2022 | 2:14 PM

NANAIMO — A local coffee shop won’t re-open anytime soon following a serious overnight fire.

The Northfield Rd. Tim Hortons location was severely damaged during an overnight fire reported on Tuesday, Aug. 2 just before 1 a.m.

Nanaimo Res. Cst Gary O’Brien said the witnesses reported the blaze and Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews quickly responded.

“They were able to basically keep it to the exterior of the building, but it caused thousands of dollars in damage, the owner says the building will probably be closed for at least six months,” O’Brien said.

The restaurant’s interior also sustained fire and extensive water damage. A connected, vacant business also suffered water damage.

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The restaurant’s interior sustained extensive water damage during the overnight fire. (Nanaimo RCMP)

Police believe a firebug was operating in the area with at least three other much less serious fires reported in close proximity — all of which impacted local businesses.

“We are hoping if there were sightings of anybody or cars moving in that area from about 11 p.m. on Monday to about 1 a.m. on Tuesday to please give us a call,” O’Brien said.

RCMP released an image from a nearby security camera of the person believed responsible for the fires.

Anybody with information that could advance Nanaimo RCMP’s investigation are asked to contact the detachment’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file# 2022-26537.

A security image from a nearby business of the person believed responsible for a string of fires on Monday, Aug. 1 and Tuesday, Aug. 2. (Nanaimo RCMP)

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