The cause of small fire this morning first thought to be suspicious is now undetermined. It has none of the characteristics of a rash of possible arson cases during the past few months.
Multiple callers at 4:43 a.m. said there was a fire at Chambers and Yukon streets near Victoria High School.
“Callers reported they were unsure of what was burning,” according to the Victoria Fire Department. “[They] heard explosions, fire and crackling.”
It was thought a couch was on fire and it was reported that this is a place that homeless people often camp.
Victoria Capt. Insp. Steve Meikle has investigated and said the early-morning blaze was not suspicious.
The source of the fire has not been determined but it was not gasoline — as was the case in recent fires on Simcoe Street in James Bay — and if it were purposely set there were much better sources nearby, Meikle said.
“I’m ruling it undetermined,” Meikle said. “I have lots of theories but they can’t be proved at this time.”
Meikle said so far he has more questions than answers.
It turned out there was no couch on fire, instead it was the belongings of a homeless person, wooden pallets and refuse.
A bicycle and bike trailer were nearby, Meikle said.
Victoria Fire Department responded with a battalion chief, two engine trucks, a rescue truck and ladder truck.
An inspector was also immediately dispatched and a police investigator because of a recent spate of suspicious fires.
Last week, Victoria police asked the public to assist with information about at least nine suspicious fires that have occurred in Victoria since April 25. That number is now up to 11.
Victoria fire investigators and police are at odds concerning a recent fire at the Noodle Box restaurant. Fire inspectors have determined it was not suspicious; caused by a cigarette butt. Out of an abundance of caution, Victoria police have left it on their suspicious fires list until they rule it out.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Victoria police detective tip line at 250-995-7444. Anyone who sees anything suspicious is being asked to call police immediately.
Suspicious fires
1. April 25, 3100 Douglas St., in a dumpster
2. May 1, 700 Courtney St., in a dumpster
3. May 8, 800 Pembroke St., couch next to condo
4. May 10, 1000 Burdett Ave., vehicles in covered parking area
5. May 11, Waddington Alley, box placed in alley and lit on fire
6. May 17, 2500 Quadra St., in a dumpster
7. May 17, 900 Caledonia Ave., in a dumpster
8. May 17, 600 Fisgard St., attached shed behind Noodle Box
9. May 19, Beacon Hill Park, near Heywood Road, tree/brush fire
10. June 2, MacDonald Park playground, Simcoe St., woodchips
11: June 2, 240 Simcoe St., storage shed at carport/bike storage
