Article has been updated with statement from RCMP
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One person escaped safely as a fire broke out in the basement of a home on Stewart Avenue early Wednesday morning.
“The call came in at 1:25 in the morning,” said Courtenay Fire Department Chief Don Bardonnex.
“The fire damage was limited to a small part of the basement, but smoke damage went up through the building. At the time there was no visible flames on the outside, but smoke coming from pretty much every corner of the building, when we arrived.”
Bardonnex said 22 firefighters attended the scene, and took roughly 90 minutes to complete the call.
RCMP were canvassing the neighbourhood Wednesday morning.
“RCMP are looking into it at this time – they are going to be the lead agency on it,” said Deputy Fire Chief Kurt MacDonald. “It is suspicious at this time, which is why they were called.”
Comox Valley RCMP issued the following statement regarding the fire.
“The fire is not believed to be accidental and is suspicious in nature. The exact cause and the circumstances surrounding the fire are currently under investigation. Investigators from the Major Crime Unit are still gathering evidence in the area; however, have been able to determine that this fire was not the result of a random act. There are no further details available at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at http://comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca/
terry.farrell@blackpress.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
