VICTORIA,
BC — Due to the extensive damage at the fire’s origin, fire investigators are
unable to conclusively determine the cause of the tragic house fire that
claimed the lives of three adults on the morning of February 16, 2013. It
is possible that an earlier couch fire on the porch may have been a
contributing factor, however due to the lack of evidence investigators cannot
conclusively make that determination.
The investigation confirmed that the fire
started on the front porch of the early 1900’s structure. Furniture
located on the porch added to fuelling the fire and winds also contributed to
the intensity and quick spread. Travel within the walls was uninhibited
due to the building construction of the home. This era of house was
commonly built using “balloon frame” construction, whereby the wall studs
extend from basement to roof with no fire stopping between floors. Some areas
of the home were limited to damage as residents closed doors as they evacuated.
There were three fire extinguishers found in
the house and while witnesses indicate the house had smoke alarms, none of the
persons inside the structure recall hearing an alarm sounding that
morning.
The Victoria Fire Department extends its
appreciation to the multiple agencies and witnesses who assisted in the initial
response and investigation.
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