Bella vista fire investigation complete

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS: The completely burnt structure left no clues for investigators. – Photo by Connie Williamson

After an in-depth investigation, the cause of a fire on Bella Vista Drive on the evening of Oct. 23 has been reported as undetermined.

“If you can’t find a fact of how it started it has to go down as undetermined,” said Colin Cannon, chief of Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue. “You can’t guess on how it started.”

An investigation was performed by Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue and by a fire investigator hired by the property owner’s insurance company.

“We did a thorough investigation of the property and unfortunately due to the massive extent of the damage, nothing was able to be found,” said Cannon.

The fire destroyed the entire structure, which was a home under construction, and left nothing for answers. The fire began at approximately 7:30 p.m. and no one was inside at the time.

“Unfortunately, there was nothing left of the building. It was such an all-consuming fire,” said Cannon.

Though the case has been completed, Cannon wants to remind everyone the importance of fire safety.

“Everyone’s got to be on their A game when houses are being built, or any type of construction that’s being done,” he said. “Construction companies need to follow their fire safety plan, which these folks were doing, and to just stay diligent.”