“FIREBUG Blamed For 7 BLAZES,” Vancouver Sun. December 7, 1932. Page 1. --- DESTRUCTION OF CHURCH PROBED ---- Climax Of Outrages ---- NEW WESTMINSTER, Dec. 7. - Further indications that a firebug is stalking in North Westminster district were revealed today, following the incendiary fire which Tuesday virtually destroyed the historic St. Mary's Anglican Church, Sapperton.
Police are investigating two fires of suspicious origin which have occurred in that district within the last two weeks.
A fire started from kindling, placed in a recess behind the McDonald Shoe Store in the K. C. Block, Keary and Columbia Streets, was extinguished before any damage resulted, when it was noticed by a tenant.
Suspicion surrounds a fire which started in a mattress in an unoccupied suite in the Kirk Block across the street from the K. C. Block a few days Iater. This blaze was put out by the fire brigade before any damage was caused.
So far no clue as to origin of these two fires, that of St. Mary's Church or the other five fires of suspected incendiary origin which have occurred in the last three months, has been found.
Police discount the theory that school boys started the fire in the church on Tuesday.
At the time the fire started schools were in session.
