Colwood Fire Department responded to a blaze at Royal Bay Beach on Monday, July 15, at 7:30 a.m., in which a piece of the art display was on fire.
Another crew member was already at another fire further down the beach when the call came, according to Greg Chow, assistant fire chief.
The two crews were able to work together to get the fire under control within 15 minutes, added Chow.
West Shore RCMP also attended the scene and was able to take one person into custody.
On top of this, Chow reminds the public that we are at the peak of fire season and that a provincial-wide campfire ban is in effect.
A 41-year-old man who, according to the West Shore RCMP, was experiencing a mental health crisis and was allegedly wielding a hatchet.
Witnesses told the RCMP there was also damage to the Beachlands sign and a set of stairs along with the mammoth.
In a phone call with Paul Lewis, the artist of the Beachlands sign, he said that he was unaware of the damage and would go down to check it out.
"Hopefully, it is not too bad," he said.
The RCMP were able to seize the hatchet, and the man was taken into custody. According to the RCMP, the damage is estimated to be worth between $30,000 and $40,000.
The RCMP is recommending charges of arson causing damage to property and mischief over $5,000. The suspect attended court on Monday afternoon.
