Man arrested after allegedly setting fire to Fort Nelson RCMP detachment

FORT NELSON, B.C. — A man has been arrested after someone allegedly set fire to the Fort Nelson RCMP detachment building.

Police say the Northern Rockies detachment building in Fort Nelson, B.C., had to be temporarily evacuated on Thursday, May 22nd after “a considerable amount of smoke” from the fire entered the building through its air intake.

The fire was allegedly set on the building’s exterior where some damage was sustained, but police say it could have been much worse if the incident didn’t take place during business hours with staff present.

Police say a witness reported a man starting the fire, and officers used a photograph of a suspect fleeing the scene in their investigation.

A man was arrested after a short pursuit on foot, officers said, and he could now face multiple charges related to the incident.

Police say no one was injured in the fire.

No further details, including the suspect’s name, have been released for now. However, officers say more information could be shared with the public in the near future.

Fort Nelson has a history of arson incidents, something the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) is aware of.

NRRM council members posted to social media on May 22nd saying they share residents’ concerns about the situation.

“Ensuring public safety is a shared responsibility that requires close collaboration between the community and various local agencies,” the post reads. “Open communication, timely reporting and mutual support strengthen our ability to maintain a safe environment for everyone in Fort Nelson and the Northern Rockies.”

Councillors went on to say they’re working to schedule a joint meeting with RCMP and First Nation leadership figures to “better understand the efforts being made to hold those responsible accountable.”

The Canadian Press files were first published on May 23rd, 2025.