Fire, explosion at downtown Fort McMurray restaurant was arson, RCMP say

A fire that causedan explosion at a burger restaurant inFort McMurray was deliberately set, RCMPsay.

"We do believe this was intentionally caused and it is under investigation by all parties," said Cpl. Teri-AnnDeobald.

The fire at South St.Burger indowntown Fort McMurraystarted sometime before4 a.m. Friday.

Deobaldsaid no one was injured in the fire, but the neighbouring Dollar Store and Tommy Gun's Original Barbershop sustained water damage.

"Several businesses did sustain fire-related damage. Plus the water-sprinkler system was going off," Deobaldsaid.

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More than one person may have been involved.

"Thepolice service dog attended the scene and did follow a track from the restaurant area of the plaza," Deobald said. "And it did stop and there was nobody at the end of the track which usually means a vehicle would have picked somebody up."

RCMP are asking anyone who has information or video surveillance footagein relation to thefire, such as people or vehicles in the area between 3 a.m. and4:15 a.m., to come forward.