2 suspects arrested in connection with major 2016 White Rock fire

RCMPin White Rock, B.C., have arrested two men in connection with a devastating fire in 2016 that displaced dozens ofresidents and caused millions of dollars in damages.

Police say the unnamed suspects were arrested forarson, break and enter, and theft among other offences. According to RCMP, one of the men is a local while the other resides outside the Lower Mainland.

"We would like to thank the community and victims of this fire for their patience in awaiting this news," saidStaff Sgt.Kale Paulsin a written statement.

On May 15, 2016,a fire quickly overtook an under-construction condo and spread to surrounding occupied residencesand businessat the Five Corners area of White Rock.

The firedisplaced more than 100 residents, resulted in millionsof dollars in damagesand used up nearly all of the city's water supply, said RCMP.

'Detailed and complex investigation'

RCMP previously told CBC News it was quickly evident thefire was intentionallyset but that it would bedifficult to prove.

"This was a detailed and complex investigation that involved multiple evidentiary scenes, forensic analysis, the involvement of approximately 120 police and civilian witnesses that held a small piece of the puzzle or contributed to the investigation over the last fiveyears," Pauls said.

The suspectshave been released and charges will be recommended to theB.C. Prosecution Service, RCMP say.

White Rock Fire DepartmentChiefPhil Lemirepreviously told CBC Newsthis was the biggest and most catastrophic fire he has seen in his 38-year career.