Saanich Police Detectives and investigators from the Saanich Fire Department are conducting an investigation into a suspected arson that occurred in the 3800 block of Saanich Road.
Just before 10:00 pm, on Friday June 6th, a 9-1-1 call was made from a witness reporting the fire.
Upon arrival of Police and Fire personnel, the living room of the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Saanich Fire was able to quickly suppress the fire and prevent it from spreading throughout the entire home. It is estimated that the fire may have caused approximately $100,000 in damage to the home.
Investigation has determined that a 20 year old male who lived at the home was home alone when the fire broke out within the single family residence. Thankfully, there were no injuries as a result of the fire.
The 20 year old was arrested at the scene, suspected of deliberately setting fire to the home.
Investigators are also considering if there was a mental health component that may have been a contributing factor in the setting of the fire. The male was transported to hospital and is expected to undergo a psychiatric evaluation in the coming weeks.
“This appears to be an isolated incident” Sgt. Steve Eassie said. “There is nothing to suggest that this incident relates in any way to the suspicious fires that have been reported in the Greater Victoria area in recent weeks. The person of interest for this investigation has not been released back into the public and therefore poses no further risk to the public, or himself, at this time”.
This investigation is ongoing.
File 14-10387
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158