North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services (NBFES) are investigating a suspicious house fire at 1611-103rd St.. NBFES responded to the fire in the abandoned home shortly after noon on Thursday.
"The neighbourhood needs to keep an eye on these abandoned houses and report any activity to the RCMP," said Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Steinborn. "The abandoned house appeared to have been illegally occupied as there was evidence of recent use and break ins."
Steinborn, who is the lead fire investigator, says cats were also being fed inside the house and at least two of the cats died in the fire. The house was already in a dilapidated state and will have to be demolished.
"Empty and condemned houses attract squatters and addicts and we would prefer that they be demolished sooner rather than later," said Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac. "We are very lucky that we were able to contain this fire without injuries or damage to nearby properties."
Fifteen Firefighters worked for three hours to contain the blaze. Special constables, RCMP and WPD Ambulance also attended.
