Overnight fire in Old East Village deemed suspicious

The London Fire Department battled a fully involved house fire on Dufferin Street early Friday morning.

A residential fire in Old East Village, which kept crews busy overnight, has been deemed suspicious by police.

Around 3 a.m. firefighters responded to the two-storey home on Dufferin Avenue near Quebec street.

According to London fire, the home was “fully involved” and an aggressive attack was initiated, with multiple units on scene. Nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire was declared out a few hours later but due to the extensive damage, one truck is staying at the scene to monitor for hotspots.

Dufferin Avenue is completely blocked between Ontario and Quebec streets.

A fire prevention officer is on the scene to determine the cause. The home had been unoccupied at the time, but there was indication new owners were preparing to move in. No injuries have been reported and fire investigators say the cost of damage is over $500,000.

Police continue to investigate.