Arson closes outpatient facility near Vancouver General Hospital: fire chief

An outpatient facility near Vancouver General Hospital was closed Friday by what Vancouver's fire chief says was arson.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services were called to extinguish flames at the Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre at the corner of Laurel Street and West 12th Avenue around 5:30 a.m.

Fire Chief Karen Fry told CBC News via text Friday evening that the fire was intentionally set and the Vancouver Police Department had taken over the investigation.

"Crews arrived to find a small fire in the reception area with a sprinkler activated," said assistant fire chief Pierre Morin. "The fire is quickly knocked down and put out. The fire, however, did cause some smoke damage and some water damage to the facility."

No one was injured by the fire.

Morin said 34 firefighters and 10 vehicles attended the scene, but most were not there long. Some stayed to clear out smoke but all were able to leave within about two hours.

Morin says the fire is under investigation and he could not speculate on the cause. 

The centre is an outpatient facility across the street from VGH. Security personnel could be seen outside the building Friday afternoon guarding an entrance along with barriers warning of flooding.

"As per established emergency response procedures, the facility was evacuated," reads a statement from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), which operates the centre.

"We appreciate the support of first responders and the understanding of patients as we work to reopen the facility as quickly and safely as possible."

VCH said the damage was "limited" and the facility would reopen Monday after repairs.

It said patients with appointments would be contacted but they can also reach out to the health authority.

WorksafeBC says it is aware of the incident and has contacted the employer.

CBC has asked the Vancouver Police Department for comment.