Arson investigators have released surveillance footage showing the moments before a massive blaze broke out in a strip mall on the city’s north side – in an effort to identify the suspect.
Officials are making the footage public as part of their investigation into the fire from September 26, that left two businesses seriously damaged.
The footage shows a person pouring an accelerant on the floor and other surfaces of a hair salon located inside a strip mall in the area of 93 Street and 137 Avenue, before setting the flammable substance on fire.
The video was recorded just before 5 a.m., when investigators said the fire was first reported.
Police hope the video will lead to tips that could identify a suspect in the arson.
It’s believed the suspect may have suffered burns, as the person is seen in the footage close to the fire as it broke out.
Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the clothing the suspect was wearing at the time, or if they are aware of someone who was burned around the time of the fire, to contact police.
The fire caused $2 million in damages to the shopping centre, most of the damage was isolated to the hair salon, and a liquor store.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
