A fire that started at the back of a Maple Ridge home Thursday afternoon, destroying a shed and part of a garage, has been ruled accidental.
Smoke from the blaze at 12449 Meadowbrook Place could be seen from downtown Maple Ridge and several witnesses called 911 to report the fire, which began around 2:30 p.m.
Helen Coombs and Shelley Pancoust were walking in a park near Laityview elementary when they saw a plume of black smoke and flames climbing up a tree.
“When we walked over, the fire wasn’t at the garage yet, it was just starting to burn,” Pancoust said outside the house as firefighters battled the flames.
A man who lives in the house escaped with no injuries and a cat was rescued by firefighters.
Assistant fire chief Timo Jurrakko said investigators have determined the fire started in the shed.
“We couldn’t find a specific determining factor, but it is definitely accidental, nothing suspicious,” he added.
