Fire that damaged multiple houses in Belgravia is suspicious: EPS

Police say a fire that started in a duplex under construction on Friday morning and spread to two neighbouring houses is suspicious.

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According to Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the blaze at 115 Street and 77 Avenue was reported around 12:30 a.m.

The first crews on scene found the building consumed by flames and called a second alarm for help with the neighbouring homes. Approximately 40 firefighters in total were called to the scene.

As of 5 a.m., flames at two of the three homes were fully extinguished and firefighters were still working on the third.

No injuries were reported.

A neighbour told CTV News Edmonton the fire spread quickly from the building under construction to his home, destroying it.

"I was already awake and I heard a sound. I looked out my window, I could see smoke billowing from that building next door," Patrick MacLachlan said.

"I called 911. By the time I finished calling, this house is already on fire."

He said he feels lucky to have gotten out safely.

All he has left is a bag of belongings and some of his artwork.

Police say the fire is not believed to be related to arsons targeting South Asian homebuilders.