'Inconsistent with a normal house fire': Police investigating View Royal blaze as arson

Police are investigating an overnight fire in View Royal as arson. (CTV News)

A Vancouver Island family narrowly escaped an intense fire at their home in View Royal Tuesday morning, and local police are now investigating the blaze as arson.

View Royal Fire Department Chief Paul Hurst told CTV News it took just four minutes for firefighters to arrive at the scene, but the fire was already burning intensely when they arrived.

"My understanding is the family was awoken to find the house on fire," Hurst said. "We're just really thankful they were able to escape. They escaped out the back second floor. They couldn't come down through the living room, through the first floor."

More than two dozen firefighters from departments in View Royal, Colwood, Langford and Esquimalt responded to the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight at the home on Damon Drive, near the intersection of Island Highway and Six Mile Road.

Hurst said the fire "took off quickly" and did more damage to the house than would typically be expected considering how quickly crews were able to respond to it.

"Having the house that destroyed, that quickly, is pretty inconsistent with a normal house fire," he said.

West Shore RCMP said in a news release Tuesday that its Serious Crimes Unit is leading the arson investigation.

"Police are seeking the public’s assistance in this investigation and you will see officers canvassing the area for witnesses and video surveillance," the release reads.

"If you have a dash camera and were driving in and around the area of Damon Drive between 10 p.m. on Jan. 6 and 3 a.m. Jan. 7, please call West Shore RCMP at 204-952-6142."

Police are asking people who live in the area to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

As for the family, Hurst said they have insurance and will be able to stay with relatives in the area while their home is uninhabitable. The View Royal fire chief also praised neighbours for helping the victims as the fire was still burning and assisting investigators as they look into the circumstances of the blaze.