Nanaimo RCMP are seeking information about the suspicious fire Monday at the city’s historic Bastion.
Police said two people were seen near the fire.
Fire crews arrived about 12:30 p.m. and put out the small blaze quickly, after a passerby had stopped and found a fire extinguisher to start attacking the flames, police said. The fire seemed to have been lit by the Bastion’s back door, and caused limited damage.
“Although this structure was unoccupied, the building and the contents have a significant historical value,” said Nanaimo RCMP Sgt. Jon Stuart.
The Bastion dates back to 1854 and is Nanaimo’s oldest structure. Gunpowder inside the building — used to light cannons at the attraction — was well away from the fire.
Call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 with any information.
