Officials from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the RCMP are investigating to determine if there is any connection between two house fires that occurred early Sunday morning, said North Cowichan fire chief Ron French.
French said approximately 15 firefighters and fire trucks from the South End and Maple Bay fire halls responded to a fire at about 2 a.m. on Sept. 21 at 2505 Alexander St.
He said while the fire crews got there early enough to contain the fire before it destroyed the home, the damage to the structure was significant.
“The home’s occupants got out without injury, but they won’t be living in the house again anytime soon,” French said. “The fire might have started outside the home, but the cause is still under investigation.”
French said that less than an hour after fire crews responded to the fire at Alexander Street, another house fire was reported in Duncan at 1020 Vista Ave.
He said the Duncan fire department dealt with that fire, which was extensive, but required the assistance of a fire crew from the Maple Bay fire hall.
No one was injured in that incident either.
“It’s strange to have two structure fires take place in just under an hour apart,” he said. “That’s why the fire commissioner and the RCMP are investigating to see if they are connected.”
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are asking for the public's help with information regarding the two fires, which they said in a press release are considered suspicious.
“We want to thank citizens who were instrumental in notifying the occupants of the homes, negating any possible injuries or death,” said Const. Tessa McDonald, media relations officer of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
Police are asking for anyone who has video footage from the hours of 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., or information about either fire, to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.solvecrime.ca
