Investigators with Edmonton Fire Rescue have determined a fire that caused extensive damage to a home in a river valley neighbourhood late Monday night was deliberately set.
Firefighters were called to the home, in the Riverdale neighbourhood, just before 11 p.m. Monday.
When they arrived on the scene, firefighters found the living room of the home filled with smoke and flames.
No people were found inside, despite reports that one person had been inside the home. However, firefighters found three cats – one was found dead, but the other two kittens were alive, and paramedics on the scene quickly began treating them.
“Alberta Health Services actually volunteered to take them to the animal hospital right away,” Capt. Don Gyepesi said on the scene. “They’ll put oxygen on them, and get them up there as quick as they can.”
Neighbours said an eviction notice had been posted on the door; it’s not clear who was living in the home at the time the blaze broke out.
Investigators said later Tuesday morning that the blaze was a case of arson, and it’s estimated the fire caused $95,000 in damages.
