RCMP said a house fire in View Royal early Tuesday was deliberately set and an arson investigation is underway.
The occupants of the burning house on Damon Drive narrowly escaped out the back of the building, said View Royal Fire Rescue.
Twenty five firefighters from View Royal, Colwood, Langford and Esquimalt responded just after midnight to the blaze near the intersection of the Island Highway and Six Mile Road, with a total of four engine companies and a ladder truck.
They found the two-storey home fully involved in flames on both floors.
“The initial fire crew entered the house for search-and-rescue operations under heavy fire conditions,” View Royal Fire Chief Paul Hurst said. “Thankfully all occupants escaped prior to our arrival.”
West Shore RCMP Serious Crimes Unit is in charge of the investigation.
Police are seeking the public’s assistance and officers were canvassing the area on Tuesday for witnesses and video surveillance.
Anyone who has a dash camera and was driving in the area of Damon Drive between 10 p.m. on Monday and 3 a.m. Tuesday is asked to call West Shore RCMP at 250-952-6142.
RCMP said the investigation is in its early stages and no further details are being released.
Though the fire was safely put out, police are advising the public in the area to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police immediately.
