Extensive damage and potentially suspicious origins have prompted the Welland fire department to call in the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) to investigate a fire that broke out in a home early Sunday.
At around 1:30 a.m., Welland Fire and Emergency Services were called to 98 Beatrice St. after neighbours reported smoke and flames coming from the home.
Platoon chief Steve McQueen said crews were at the home most of the night tackling the fire, which caused extensive damage.
He said there was no one home at the time, but the home does have residents living there. He said the damage was so extensive the home may have to be torn down.
McQueen said the residents were able to independently find alternate living arrangements and did not require assistance from the Canadian Red Cross.
There were no injuries.
The OFM has been called in because of the extent of the damage — anything over $500,000 prompts such a call.
However, McQueen said Welland fire investigators have not been able to determine the cause of the fire. He said there’s potential for it to be declared suspicious.
An OFM investigator is expected to arrive at the scene Monday.