The Drumheller Fire Department and RCMP are investigating the cause of a ‘suspicious’ fire which occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, August 13.
Around 4 a.m. Drumheller Fire responded to reports of fire on materials, a garage, and portions of a house on 1 Street SW between 6 Avenue and 7 Avenue. The homeowners were evacuated after a neighbour saw the blaze and woke the residents. Fire crews arrived shortly after 4 a.m. and spent over an hour putting out the fire but not without extensive damage to the property.
Drumheller Fire Chief Bruce Wade said they consider the fire to be arson. He said the fire was started on renovation materials out back but spread into the garage and then damaged siding on the house. He said the fire caused smoke damage within the house but it remains hospitable for the residents.
Drumheller RCMP’s Rachel Pergunas said the detachment will take over investigation of the blaze. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with any information to contact the detachment at 403-823-2630 or to submit anonymous tips to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
