Family escapes barefoot as suspicious fire destroys Duncan home

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are looking into two suspicious house fires that started early on September 21st.

Police reported that the first fire was spotted around 2 a.m. at a house on Vista Avenue. A second fire occurred shortly after on Alexander Street.

Both houses were occupied when the fires started.

One of the homeowners shared online that she and her family woke up to their dog barking and neighbors honking and shouting to warn them.

“All of us made it out safely (in pyjamas and barefoot) with the dogs,” she wrote, adding that the family lost both their house and truck in the fire.

For now, they are staying with relatives.

The homeowner also shared that witnesses reported seeing someone running from the property shortly after the fire started.

Const. Tessa McDonald, media relations officer for the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, said the quick actions of nearby residents likely prevented tragedy.

“We want to thank citizens who were instrumental in notifying the occupants of the homes, negating any possible injuries or death,” she said.

Investigators are asking anyone with video footage from the area between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., or information that could help, to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at www.solvecrime.ca.