RNC INVESTIGATING SUSPICIOUS FIRE ON SOUTHSIDE ROAD

(Nov 10th)

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) is investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a vehicle and caused substantial damage to a home on Southside Road in St. John’s early Friday morning.

The St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) along with other emergency services received the initial call at approximately 2:10 a.m. on November 6th, reporting a vehicle fire.

When the first fire engine arrived, crews discovered the burning vehicle parked close to a home, with flames spreading to the front of the residence and into the eaves. Additional firefighters were requested, and the response was upgraded to a structure fire.

The vehicle was completely destroyed, while the home sustained substantial damage to its front exterior.

An SJRFD platoon chief confirmed that nobody was inside or around the home when firefighters arrived. Reports also indicated that the homeowner had not been seen by neighbours for an extended period of time.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control, and by approximately 3:00 a.m., the fire had been fully extinguished. Crews also completed overhaul operations to ensure the fire was completely out, with the majority of the response clearing the scene around that time.

A City of St. John’s truck also attended the area to spread salt on the roadway, helping address icy conditions caused by water used to fight the fire.

In an information request response provided to the NFLD Bulletin on Tuesday, November 10th, the RNC confirmed that Operational Patrol Services responded to a vehicle fire on Southside Road shortly after 2:00 a.m. Friday.

Police confirmed the fire spread to an adjacent vacant property and that the incident has been deemed suspicious.

The RNC investigation remains ongoing.