Fire crews battle blaze at vacant house in South Vancouver

Vancouver firefighters had a busy Saturday night, fighting off a fire at an abandoned duplex in South Vancouver.

The flames broke out at the house, which is slated to be demolished for a new development, at the corner of Cambie Street and West 62nd Avenue around 8:30 p.m. PT Saturday.

 Vancouver Fire Assistant Chief John Dennis said it didn't take long for his crews to extinguish the fire.

Dennis said the blaze appears to be suspicious.

"Obviously there had been someone there," said Dennis. "They'd obviously broken in and either started the fire on purpose or started the fire to keep warm."

Abandoned house hazards

Dennis said he's aware that there's been a recent string of fires in abandoned homes across the city. In some cases, they can be hazardous for fire crews.

"We don't know what people have done to buildings like that … in the past, people have set traps for firefighters." he said.

"We've found buildings where the floors have been cut open, the ceilings have been cut open — it enhances the ability for fire to flow."

Vancouver Police say they are looking for suspects in at least 25 suspicious fires in vacant houses this year.

Eight of those fires have occurred since Oct. 23, spread out across the city.

With files from Rafferty Baker