A Saanich fire that forced 12 people, three dogs and a cat to flee from two adjacent homes in March is now being investigated as an arson.
The fire occurred on the evening of March 6 in the 1700-block of Carnegie Crescent, near Shelbourne Street and McKenzie Avenue.
Investigators with the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about the fire.
Two families and tenants living in a basement suite in one of the homes were displaced by the blaze, which caused approximately $355,000 worth of damage.
“Saanich police has worked alongside Saanich Fire to determine that this fire was the work of an arsonist,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades, public information and communications officer with Saanich police. “It was remarkable that no one was injured at this fire, as both homes were occupied at the time.”
He said investigators could not determine a motive for the arson.
Detectives are looking to speak to anyone that they haven’t already spoken to.
“We are interested in anyone that might have been driving in the area and would have dashcam footage,” said Anastasiades. “Investigators are interested in the time from about an hour before and an hour after the fire was reported at 7 p.m. on March 6.”
Saanich police investigated 18 arsons to property in Saanich in 2020.
To speak to investigators, call the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321, or to submit an anonymous tip, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
