The Saanich Police Department is currently investigating an early morning fire that occurred on Wednesday, reporting that some residents are still unaccounted for.
The fire took place at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 11 at a residence in the 100-block of Battleford Avenue.
Saanich Fire Department responded to the scene first and found a fully involved structure fire. Crews battled the blaze for a couple of hours before managing to extinguish the flames.
Since the incident, detectives with Saanich Police’s Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Section have joined Saanich Fire to investigating the blaze and determine what happened.
According to Saanich Police, the fire is being considered suspicious until deemed otherwise.
“Due to the extensive damage and the compromised structural integrity of what remains of the home, the investigation into what caused the fire will take longer than anticipated,” reads a statement from Saanich Police.
Police say that several people were living in the home that caught fire and most have been accounted for by detectives as of Thursday, however, police are saying they can’t confirm that everyone is safe.
According to investigators, a thorough search of the home has yet to be completed and therefore, unable to confirm that everyone made it out safely.
“Our primary goal at this time is to confirm the whereabouts of each and every occupant suspected of residing there. We are hopeful that all are safe,” says Saanich Police.
Officers and investigators will remain on the scene in the meantime and the area will be taped off for the remainder of the week.
An update will be provided to the public once a search has been completed and a cause of the fire has been identified.
Graham Cox
