Vancouver police say they've arrested a man in his 20s in connection with reports of a fire that triggered an evacuation of Langara College.

In a statement issued Monday evening, police said first responders received reports of a suspicious fire on campus shortly before noon.

"After speaking with witnesses, officers determined that a suspect had allegedly entered the college with incendiary devices," Const. Jason Doucette said in a statement. "It appears the suspect may have lit one or more fires before fleeing from the scene."

The school initially tweeted around 11:40 a.m. about an incident involving firefighters at the Technology Building.

A short while later, police and firefighters began evacuating the whole campus, saying it was "continuing to investigate the incident."

The VPD said officers were able to identify a suspect shortly after arriving on scene. The man, who has not been identified, was arrested by transit police in Surrey just before 4 p.m. and turned over to Vancouver police.

According to Doucette, the VPD's Emergency Response Section continued to scour Langara's campus on Monday for any additional hazards and is expected to remain on scene into the night.

Langara announced that all classes and exams have been cancelled for the rest of the day as well as Tuesday.

"Please be assured that any personal possessions will remain secured in classrooms and offices where they were left," the school said in a tweet, adding that support services are available for those affected by Monday's evacuation.

In a letter sent to families Monday, the nearby Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School said it went into hold and secure at around 12:30 p.m. as a result of the incident.

The hold and secure was later lifted and students were let of out of school at the normal dismissal time.

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services also confirmed it is investigating the incident and asked that members of the public avoid the area for now.

The VPD is asked people to avoid the area of West 49th Avenue from Ontario to Alberta streets. Those looking to access transit along the closed stretch or road were redirected to 48th Avenue.

West 49th was reopened by 7:45 p.m.

Anyone with information that could advance the investigation is asked to contact the VPD's Major Crime Unit at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available

We understand that today’s events can be upsetting and would like to remind you of the support available. For students: Counselling Department https://t.co/RlU5QPnlYl For staff & faculty: Employee and Family Assistance Program https://t.co/UU5jUupqTb — Langara College (@langaracollege) April 2, 2019

A suspect has been arrested by @TransitPolice in Surrey in relation to the@langaracollege incident today. A campus search turned up a number of suspicious devices. Anyone with info is asked to call 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477. https://t.co/Tq4nzUyO0g pic.twitter.com/pwLzLb8tIr — Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 2, 2019

It appears that the fire may have been deliberately set. Police are on-site to ensure the safety of staff, students & residents of the neighborhood.



Officers are systematically going through the school to identify any additional hazards.



No injuries have been reported. #VPD https://t.co/NiGJ0GEeSX — Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 1, 2019

VFRS is investigating an incident with @VancouverPD at Langara College. Students have been evacuated as a precaution and further details will be released when the investigation is more complete. Please avoid the area until further notice. pic.twitter.com/Ky9GUzjJkR — Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) April 1, 2019

Our officers are currently on scene at Langara College dealing with a fire. We’re assisting @VanFireRescue with evacuating the school.



Please avoid the area of W. 49th Ave from Ontario St to Alberta St. We will release more info as it becomes available. #VPD #VanTraffic pic.twitter.com/0EYcLK2m0K — Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 1, 2019

Students, staff, and faculty should vacate the campus for the rest of the day. Classes and exams are cancelled. We will provide further updates as we learn more. — Langara College (@langaracollege) April 1, 2019

We are continuing to investigate the incident on campus. Please vacate immediately and watch for updates. — Langara College (@langaracollege) April 1, 2019