Police investigating fire that posed ‘imminent risk to life’ at Vancouver Island motel

The outside of the courthouse in Duncan, B.C., is shown in this undated file photo. (Paul Doroshenko/Provincial Court of British Columbia)

Police on Vancouver Island are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed two vehicles and endangered the lives of guests at a motel, authorities say.

Officers were called to assist firefighters at the Thunderbird Motor Inn, located at 5849 York Rd. in Duncan, shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.

Two vehicles were found fully engulfed in flames, with the fire “impacting the nearby structure,” the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said in a news release.

“Due to the proximity of the fire to occupied units, the incident was deemed an imminent risk to life,” police said.

Investigators have since deemed the fire suspicious and the RCMP’s forensic identification unit has been called in to assist in the case.

“This was a serious incident that posed a significant risk to people staying nearby,” Const. Tessa McDonald said in a statement.

No injuries were reported and police say efforts to identify those responsible for the blaze are ongoing.

“We are actively working to determine what occurred and are asking anyone with information to come forward,” McDonald added.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.