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The first phase of the redevelopment of the Burnaby Hospital is seen under construction, in Burnaby, B.C., on Monday, July 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
By The Canadian Press

Alberta man charged with arson for major fire at Burnaby, B.C., hospital

Sep 17, 2026 | 9:24 AM

BURNABY — An Alberta man has been charged in connection with arson at a Metro Vancouver hospital six years ago.

RCMP in Burnaby, B.C., say the 29-year-old man was living in the area at the time when fire broke out at Burnaby Hospital on Nov. 15, 2020.

The fire caused extensive damage and triggered a multi-year investigation across several jurisdictions, including RCMP in Strathcona County, Alberta.

The man was charged last week with one count of arson with disregard for human life.

The accused was already in custody in Alberta on unrelated charges.

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The fire happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and shut down the hospital’s emergency room.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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