Man arrested for trying to set fire to Vancouver City Hall

A 36-year-old man was arrested and is facing criminal charges after allegedly trying to start a fire outside Vancouver City Hall on Friday night.

The man allegedly used an incendiary device to start a fire outside the entrance to Vancouver city hall, Vancouver police said in a statement. The fire was lit around 10 p.m., with the building located at Cambie Street and West 12th Street closed.

Police said the fire was under control when police arrived and a witness intervened to prevent the flames from spreading. The man was found nearby and arrested.

Police said the motive of the man, who is not believed to be from Vancouver, remains under investigation.

This marks the second arson attempt in the area, following an incident in October when a 78-year-old man committed arson. The minibus outside the hall burst into flames.

This man was charged with arson of property, possession of explosives, possession of flammable material and criminal mischief.