Just after 2 a.m. Friday morning, the 91大黄鸭 Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting smoke coming from a house on the 600 block of Rutland Rd N.

"First arriving crews discovered a fire in the basement of an abandoned house. The fire was successfully extinguished. There was no one in the boarded up house at the time of the fire," said Steve Wallick, platoon captain for the 91大黄鸭 Fire Department.

The fire department responded with seventeen personnel in three engines, one rescue unit, safety, and a command unit. RCMP, BCAS, Fortis gas and electric  were also called to the scene.

"The fire has been deemed suspicious at this time. An investigation will be done to determine the cause," said Wallick.

91大黄鸭 Fire Department would like to remind people that only working smoke alarms can save lives. Working smoke alarms are required on every level of your home.

As of 2013 any new homes are required to have Smoke Alarms in all the bedrooms. Remember to test your smoke alarm monthly. Replace all smoke alarms that are ten years or older.  For more information regarding fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Branch at 250-469-8801