The Oliver Fire Department responded in force to a house fire just before 11 a.m. on April 14.
According to fire department spokesperson Rob Graham, the department had received calls about heavy black smoke rising from the home on Harmony Crescent that was visible from town.
Heavy smoke was rising from one end of the building when firefighters arrived, as well as out of one of the windows on the south side of the building.
The fire crew was forced to attack the fire from the outside the home before they could get inside.
“Lots of smoke damage and fire damage to the south side,” said Graham. “Fairly heavy damage to that end but I’d say we were able to keep the damage to one half of the house, with water damage to the flooring and basement.”
The residents of the home were not present when the fire occurred, and no rescues or injuries were reported.
At this time, the cause of the fire and the location where the fire started are undetermined and still under investigation.
Until the cause is identified the fire is being treated as suspicious.
Multiple engines, multiple water tenders and around 25 firefighters responded to the scene. They extinguished the blaze for about an hour and a half.
While some grass in front of the home did ignite due to the heat from the fire, there was no risk of it spreading to other structures.
“It was still fairly green in that yard so it didn’t spread very far,” said Graham.
READ MORE: Firebug not suspected: Oliver Fire Department
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