A fire that took place early Saturday morning at a problem home in Abbotsford is being investigated as a possible arson.
The blaze occurred at about 12:30 a.m. at a duplex in the 2600 block of Jasper Court.
When Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the top level.
Firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to the bottom floor.
Although the lower level did receive some minor water damage, occupants of that suite were able to return at 3:45 a.m.
Residents of the top floor were not able to return due to heavy fire and smoke damage. One occupant was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and another was transported to hospital for treatment.
Const. Ian MacDonald said the fire has been deemed suspicious, and the Abbotsford Police Department’s (APD) major crime unit is investigating.
“Given the number of persons in the home and the proximity to other residences, there was the potential for greater damage and injury,” MacDonald said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the APD at 604-859-5225, text the APD at abbypd (222973) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The residence on Jasper Court has been the scene of several previous police incidents, including a drug bust in October 2008 in which three men were charged after methamphetamine and a replica handgun were seized.
At the time, police referred to the home as a “well-known drug house.”
