RCMP investigating suspicious house fire in Colwood
West Shore RCMP are crediting the quick work of firefighters with containing a suspicious house fire in Colwood on Monday night.
Multiple witnesses reported the fire on Betula Avenue around 11:30 p.m., and one neighbour went so far as to use a garden hose to help douse the flames before firefighters arrived. When first responders arrived, neighbours told police and firefighters that the home was believed to be empty.
Firefighters moved to douse the flames and contained the fire to the back portion of the house, according to the RCMP.
First responders confirmed that the house was empty and do not believe anyone was injured by the blaze.
"If this had caught and spread we would be dealing with a very different, possibly tragic situation," said Const. Meighan Massey of the West Shore RCMP in a release Tuesday.
"It is due to the swift actions of the Colwood Fire Rescue Service that this did not spread and the neighbourhood remained safe," she said.
RCMP say members of the Colwood Fire Rescue Service believe the source of the fire is suspicious.
Police investigators returned to the scene Tuesday to continue their investigation.
Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.