Kamloops RCMP investigating 'suspicious' fire at Westsyde home

Police are investigating after fire engulfed a Kamloops home this morning.

Surveillance footage posted to social media shows a man on a bicycle spraying what could be an accelerant under a car port at the home, then flee after the fire is set.

"Kamloops we need your help. This morning this person deliberately set my mom's... house on fire," Julie Dodds wrote in a Facebook post showing the surveillance footage.

Police attended the Westsyde Road home around 9:30 a.m., Feb. 16, after firefighters were already at the scene, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn said.

"They've lost everything. Including their cat Leeloo. A house fire is traumatizing, devastating and horrible all in its own. But that someone chooses to do that to you is even worse. Please look closely and if you have any information on who this is please call the police or let us know somehow. The links are the video footage of him actually spraying an accelerant and setting a fire," Dodd's social media post reads.

Const. Evelyn said a police fire investigator and a forensic identification team are on the scene and the fire has been deemed "suspicious." Evelyn could not confirm whether there is a current suspect or if it is an active arson investigation, but investigators have continued to work on the scene into the afternoon and she expects more information will become available.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters were in the area around 8:30 a.m. and announced through social media that drivers should expect delays on Westsyde Road.

Kamloops Fire Rescue was not immediately available for comment.

Anyone with information that can assist RCMP in their investigation are asked to call the local detachment at 250-828-3000. 

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