Saanich Police Detectives and the Saanich Fire Department continue to investigate a house fire in the 2900 block of Austin Avenue.
Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, calls were received reporting a house on fire. When police arrived on the scene, flames and heavy smoke were visible.
An elderly resident from the upstairs portion of the home was exiting from the residence as police arrived on scene. The resident was transported to hospital for assessment due to the inhalation of smoke. No other people were reported to be inside the home.
Police and Fire investigators are continuing to investigate the cause and origin of the fire, which at this time remains unknown. As a result, the fire is being treated as suspicious in nature.
“The house is still being contained as a possible crime scene” Sgt. Steve Eassie said. “Investigators are interested in speaking with anyone that may have information relating to this incident. Our Forensic Ident team is still attempting to gather evidence from the scene. This is still an active investigation”.
Police are able to confirm that this residence was the subject of a previous drug investigation in July 2014. There are no definitive links between the two investigations.
Anyone with information relating to this incident are asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
File 2014-18827
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158