Police are investigating a suspicious fire that damaged a shed and a house in Burnaby earlier this week.
The fire broke out on Tuesday morning at about 4 a.m. in the backyard of a home on Kitchener Street near Kensington Avenue, according to a Burnaby RCMP news release Friday.
Police said a smoke alarm alerted the homeowner, who was able to extinguish it quickly before it caused major damage.
“This was a close call that could have been much worse if the fire had burned for just a few more minutes,” Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brett Cunningham said in the release. “It is also fortunate the fire didn’t spread any further, given the hot weather has dried out the grass on many properties in Metro Vancouver.”
The Burnaby Fire Department was called to the scene at about 9 a.m. to help with the investigation, according to assistant fire Chief Stew Colbourne.
He told the NOW fire investigators found evidence of hydrocarbons outside the shed.
Police believe the fire was intentionally set, according to the RCMP release.
Investigators have canvassed the neighbourhood for security video, but so far no suspect has been identified and no motive determined.
“We are asking people to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police as the investigation continues,” Cunningham said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999. Quote file number 21-23593.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
Email [email protected]
