Speedy report stops suspicious fire from jumping to parched Victoria-area woods

DISTRICT OF HIGHLANDS, B.C. – A firebug may be on the loose in the suburban Victoria District of Highlands, on Vancouver Island.

West Shore RCMP say video surveillance shows someone running from the scene shortly after a suspicious fire was sparked in a shed behind an abandoned house.

Flames broke out early Wednesday morning and rapidly engulfed the shed and house, but no one was hurt.

A second fire was found smouldering under a wooden bulletin board not far from the first blaze, but was quickly put out.

There was concern the fire could ignite dry brush in the rural area but a notice posted on the District of Highlands website extends thanks to passing newspaper deliveryman, Joe Bryant.

The site says the Highlands resident spotted the fire and made a speedy report, allowing crews to respond before flames could spread.