Homicide investigation launched after fatal fire in Abbotsford, police say

The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit is investigating a homicide at a homeless camp on South Fraser Way.

Homicide investigators have been called in after a fire at an Abbotsford homeless encampment Friday evening.

The incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. at the Peardonville encampment, which is located on provincial land in the 31500 block of South Fraser Way, according to a statement from the Abbotsford Police Department.

The initial call was for a fire, which was found burning in a wooden structure in the camp, police said, adding that no other structures were affected.

After firefighters doused the flames, a man was found deceased, police said.

“Further investigation has confirmed this incident to be a homicide,” the statement reads. “One man has been arrested by AbbyPD Patrol officers and remains in police custody.”

Police said their investigation is ongoing and remains “in the early stages.” Investigators believe the killing was isolated and targeted, police added, saying the general public is not at risk.

The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit is transitioning the investigation to the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, police said, asking anyone with information related to the homicide to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448.