Multiple people displaced by ‘targeted’ house fire in Surrey, B.C.

In this file photo, police tape is shown on May 2, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

Police are investigating a “suspicious and targeted” overnight fire in Surrey, B.C., that damaged two vehicles and a home and displaced several residents Wednesday.

Two suspects, both believed to be male, were reportedly seen at the front of the home in the 13400 block of 64 Avenue at 1:38 a.m., when the fire began, the Surrey Police Service said in a news release.

A pair of dark-coloured sedans were also seen leaving the area and heading south on 134A Street.

First responders were called to the scene by a neighbour who reported the blaze.

“Officers quickly arrived and encountered two vehicles and the front of a house on fire, and active explosions happening,” the news release said. “Residents of a basement suite were able to safely be evacuated but officers were advised about two upstairs residents.”

The officers broke a glass door and entered the back of the home, locating two elderly residents inside.

One of the residents had to be carried out by the officers, while the other was able to exit on their own, police said.

Eight residents of the home were treated on scene for smoke inhalation but no serious injuries were reported, according to police.

Fire investigators are expected to return to the scene Wednesday to determine how the fire started.

“At this early stage, it is believed that the fire is suspicious and targeted,” police said.

Investigators do not believe the fire is connected to recent reports of violent extortion attempts in the community, Surrey police spokesperson Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told CTV News.

Anyone who witnessed the fire or has video from the area at the time is asked to contact the Surrey Police Service non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.