The cause of a vehicle fire in Colwood is still under investigation but in the meantime, crews have ruled it as suspicious.
"Cars generally - like most things - don't spontaneously erupt into flames," said acting Fire Chief John Cassidy. "Not that there's anything overtly suspicious in this case."
By ruling the fire as suspicious, he noted they are then able to impound the vehicle as evidence and maintain the integrity of it while conducting their investigation, which Cassidy predicted to start Thursday after the Gazette's press deadline. Colwood Fire Rescue is working in partnerships with the West Shore RCMP on this investigation.
Fire crews were alerted to the fire Wednesday morning after bylaw officers checking catch basins in preparation for forecasted storms spotted smoke in the area. Crews arrived at the dead end portion of Delora Drive - off Marry Anne Crescent - in Colwood shortly after 10 a.m. to find a newer model 600 series BMX fully engulfed. Shortly after crews arrived, Cassidy noted the gas pan split, spilling its flammable contents and creating a pretty dynamic situation for crews battling the flames. However, he noted they were quick to knock down the fire and contain the situation before it could spread to surrounding wooded areas.
"Crews did an excellent job," he said.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Cassidy did note that there were no external signs of an outward ignition source.
As for the area the car was found in, he noted it's a new subdivision and often vehicles are parked in that neighbourhood. "It's not a suspicious area for the car to be in," he added.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com