Friday’s house fire considered suspicious

An early morning house fire on County Road 9 near Creemore Friday has been deemed suspicious.

Police have been called in following an investigation by the fire marshal’s office.

Clearview firefighters were called to the scene of the fire, just east of Riverside Drive, at 4:30 a.m.

Deputy Fire Chief Roree Payment said he arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the second floor of the home.

Fire Chief Colin Shewell said the owner reported no one was home at the time of the blaze.

Because the total damage was estimated at about $500,000, between the structure and contents, the fire marshal’s office was called to investigate.

As a result of the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal investigation, the Huronia West Crime Unit was advised and is now investigating this fire, said police.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Huronia West OPP at 705-429-3575 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tips can also be submitted online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. Callers remain anonymous and will not be asked to testify in court. Information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.