An early morning fire that caused extensive damage to a White Rock rancher and displaced its two senior residents raised the suspicions of both police and fire officials in the city.
Fire Chief Ed Wolfe said the blaze 鈥� reported at 5:14 a.m. on Monday (Nov. 25) 鈥� started in the carport of the home, located at 15816 Goggs Ave.
When firefighters arrived, flames were "through the roof, mainly above the carport," Wolfe said.
While it's clear the fire originated in the vehicle parked inside 鈥� it was fully engulfed 鈥� investigation is ongoing to determine if an accelerant was used to fuel it.
Wolfe said regardless of whether a substance is identified, the fire's cause is suspect.
Some 14 firefighters tackled the blaze, knocking it down by just after 7 a.m. then remaining on-scene for the next four hours in case any hotspots flared up. The windows and siding of a neighbouring home were also damaged by the fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Wolfe said a vehicle fire reported in South 性视界传媒 the same morning, as well as fire damage to another vehicle 鈥� in the 15900-block of White Rock's Thrift Avenue 鈥� reported to authorities shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday, are also being scrutinized.
He and White Rock RCMP officials "feel it's a little too coincidental," Wolfe said, referring to the South 性视界传媒 incident.
The vehicle on Thrift Avenue was not an active fire when reported, but it was determined to have occurred sometime in the 12 hours prior, he noted.
"RCMP, their team is also involved in investigating probable cause on that one," Wolfe said.
White Rock RCMP Staff Sgt. Rob Dixon confirmed Thursday that his detachment has two "open, but separate investigations" into the White Rock fires, and investigators are working to identify the culprit or culprits behind them, as well as if there is any evidence linking the incidents.
While there is nothing at this point to suggest any additional risk to the public, Wolfe said it is always recommended that residents remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to police. As well, ensure working smoke detectors are installed at home, as was the case at the Goggs Avenue residence.
Anyone with information that could assist the police investigations 鈥� or with video surveillance which may have captured suspicious activity in the area at the time of the fires 鈥� is asked to call the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.
