SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Summerside police are investigating a fire on Palmer Street they believe was deliberately set.
At around 5:18 a.m. on Sunday morning, a 911 call was placed about a house on fire in the residential area in the central part of the city.
The Summerside Fire Department responded to the blaze.
Once the flames were extinguished, a firefighters’ walk-through led them to call police who brought in the provincial fire marshal’s office.
The fire marshal’s investigator determined there were enough signs the fire was deliberately set to hand the case back to police for further investigation.
“We really don’t know at this point what the person’s motivation was,” said Summerside Police Services Sgt. Jason Blacquiere.
The home is the same residence where police seized cannabis plants last week, but the police had finished with their work at the house, said the sergeant.
“There’s nothing to suggest they’re connected.”
The homeowner was not home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries. Police believe the homeowner was the only person living in the residence, which is considered a total loss.
Blacquiere said it’s “fairly rare” for a house fire to be deliberately set in the city.
Police are following leads but are looking for help from the public as well.
“We’re certainly wanting to pursue all avenues,” said Blacquiere.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 902-432-1201. Officials are also interested in speaking with any residents of the area who have home surveillance cameras.
