Surrey Man Sentenced to 63 Days for 2024 Arson Incident

URGENT UPDATE: A Surrey man, Mohammad Hashimi, has been sentenced to 63 days in jail for his role in a devastating house fire that occurred on October 18, 2024, in Newton. The fire department responded swiftly to reports of flames in the 7800-block of 122 Street, where two individuals were trapped on a balcony and were dramatically rescued by firefighters utilizing ground ladders.

The incident escalated quickly, with Surrey police also arriving to assist the fire service. Upon their arrival, one person detained by firefighters was transferred to RCMP custody, highlighting the urgency and danger of the situation.

On June 10, 2025, Hashimi pleaded guilty in Surrey provincial court to charges of “arson in relation to an inhabited property” and assault with a weapon. Today, on October 31, he received his sentence, which includes not only the jail time but also a 36-month probation order and a 10-year firearms prohibition for both charges.

The Crown has entered a stay of proceedings against two additional charges against Hashimi, meaning they may be dropped but could be reinstated within a year for serious charges or six months for less serious ones. As per the official guidelines from gov.bc.ca, if the prosecution is not resumed within these timeframes, the matter will be concluded.

This case underscores the serious implications of arson and the legal repercussions that follow such dangerous actions. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the fire, which could have had a far more tragic outcome had emergency services not responded as rapidly and effectively as they did.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent future incidents. The Surrey Fire Service continues to emphasize fire safety and awareness, reminding the public of the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety for all.

As this story develops, further updates will be provided on the potential for the Crown to reinstate the previously dropped charges against Hashimi. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.