A case of arson is now under police investigation. The blaze damaged a home in the 1700 block of Upland Street at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
RCMP and Prince George Fire Rescue Service (PGFRS) officials all said there was no indication that the fire is connected to one on Sunday on Farrell Street that damaged a mobile home. That fire was also deemed suspicious and is under investigation.
"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we do not believe there is a threat to the public, based on anything we have learned from either fire," said police spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass. "If anything comes to light to indicate multiple fires are a possibility, we will notify the public. So far, there are no indicators that any other properties are in danger."
As with the Farrell Street fire, PGFRS deputy chief John Iverson said the firefighters (16 personnel from three halls) worked first to extinguish the fire, and the search for its cause happened once the flames were out.
"Shortly after extinguishment it became apparent there where some suspicious things that our personnel noticed. We contacted the RCMP right away," Iverson said. Police were already on scene for traffic control and perimeter security, so the clues were quickly under investigation.
"The home was unoccupied; no one was living in the home at the time," said Douglass. "The fire appears to have started inside the house. There was a second starting point inside the residence, as well. Evidence was seized and an investigation is underway."
Although the fire was quick to put out, damage to the home was extensive. A damage estimate was not finalized by press time.
No one was injured as a result of this fire.
