Victoria home a 'total loss' following Saturday morning fire

Posted: Sep. 3, 2022 11:41AM | Last Updated: Sep. 3, 2022 3:14PM

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House on Sumas Street in Victoria catches fire on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

Fire crews say a house in Victoria’s Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood is a “total loss” following a Saturday morning fire that’s deemed suspicious.

The Victoria Fire Department tells CHEK News that a house in the 500-block of Sumas Street caught fire around 4 a.m. with various crews arriving on scene, including three fire engines.

The fire dept. says police are now investigating and notes that all residents escaped without injury. A cat, however, was found deceased.

“…firefighters arrived and worked to contain the flames,” VicPD said in a news release Saturday afternoon.

“Officers confirmed the residents who had been in the house had been safely evacuated and assisted in evacuating nearby homes in case the flames spread,” police added.

“Despite the extensive damage to the home, no one was physically hurt.”

According to VicPD, a preliminary investigation indicates the fire is suspicious.

Investigators are seeking witnesses and anyone with surveillance footage to come forward by calling VicPD’s report desk at 250-995-7654 extension 1.

This latest fire comes just days after four people were displaced following a fire at an Island Health-operated supportive house on Princess Avenue Thursday morning.