All of the occupants had exited and were accounted for when fire crews started to knock down the blaze.
A cat was the sole casualty of what police are calling a suspicious house fire in Victoria’s Burnside neighborhood early Saturday.
The Victoria Fire Department responded about 4 am to a report of a fire at on Sumas Street, where they were met with heavy smoke and flames burning on the exterior of the home.
All of the occupants had exited and were accounted for when fire crews started to knock down the blaze.
When firefighters entered the home, they found heavy flames and were forced to exit and continue fighting from outside. A ladder truck was used to keep the fire contained to the home.
In all, 17 firefighters responded using three fire engines, one rescue truck, one ladder truck and one command vehicle.
A deceased cat was found inside the home. No other injuries were reported. The fire department estimates $240,000 worth of damage to the home, which is assessed at $786,000.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire might be suspicious, Victoria police said, and police are looking for witnesses and surveillance footage that might help them learn more about the cause.
Police ask anyone with information to call the police report desk at 250-995-7654, extension 1.