RCMP are calling on the community’s assistance in shedding light on a suspicious fire that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning in Duncan.
At about 5 a.m. on Saturday, August 19th, emergency services responded to a blaze located between two buildings in the 300-block of the Trans Canada Highway.
The fire originated from the bushes behind one of the structures, and due to favorable conditions, it quickly spread, briefly touching the trim of an adjacent residential building.
The Duncan Fire Department were able to successfully extinguished the flames before they could cause further damage.
“The initial investigation indicates this was a suspicious occurrence,” saidStaff Sergeant Ken Beard, Operations Non-Commissioned Officer at North Cowichan Duncan RCMP detachment.
“I encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information about the fire to speak to investigators immediately.”
No other details were released. Police are now looking for anyone with any information or surveillance footage capturing suspicious activity from the nearby areas.
“Our hearts go out to the people impacted by the fire and fear caused when the alarms sounded early in the morning,” said Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples.
“We are thankful for the dedication and courage of our firefighters and first responders who attended and extinguished the flames. We will remain in close contact with the RCMP regarding the investigation now underway and update the community as the information comes available.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to call the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-548-5522.
