The cause of a fire that caused a significant amount of water damage to a Saanich home in Gordon Head neighbourhood Sunday afternoon, remains under investigation, but currently does not qualify as suspicious.
“We have investigators on scene trying to determine cause as well as dollar value,” said Darwin Schellenberg, captain with the Saanich Fire Department, Monday morning.
He said that hopefully the cause of the fire would be available within 24 to 48 hours.
“A lot of time, the investigator needs a full day to determine [cause],” he said, adding that the investigation is not leaning towards a suspicious cause.
Saanich fire crew responded to a two-storey home on Galaxy Place just after 1:30 p.m. after the home owner reported the fire.
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The owner of the home – which was unoccupied at the time of the incident – reported seeing fire and sparks in the soffit area underneath the roof line, as he was returning home, said Schellenberg.
“He made a commendable effort to put it out with a garden hose, then called 9-1-1,” said Schellenberg.
Nineteen firefighters, two fire engines, two ladders and one rescue vehicle responded to the house near the University of Victoria. Saanich Police and BC Hydro crews assisted efforts.
“The fire was quickly knocked down within 30 minutes,” said Schellenberg.
But if this quick response limited the damage of the actual fire to the roof top area, it required large volumes of water that causes significant damage, said Schellenberg.
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“The fire damage is significant, but confined to the roof,” he said. “But the water causes damages to the furnishing, belongings and what not.”
Current estimates peg the total damage at around $100,000, said Schellenberg.
Warm weather conditions Sunday neither hampered not helped fire fighting efforts, said Schellenberg.
The fire occurred in a cul-de-sac with several homes nearby. However sufficient space separated the burning home from its neighbouring residents and crews took proactive measures to cover homes on either side of the burning structure against any eventuality.
No evacuations were necessary, he said.
