A suspicious fire broke out Monday at a home that was searched by investigators with the Edmonton Police Service earlier this month as part of the Samuel Bird missing person case.
The fire was reported at a duplex near 106 Avenue and 151 Street in the Canora neighbourhood — the same home police raided a week and a half ago.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said it got called to the home at 4:52 a.m. Monday and crews arrived on scene four minutes later.
The city said the fire was brought under control at 5:46 a.m. and declared out at 6:08 a.m. Edmonton fire said there were no reported injuries.
The fire cause is still under investigation but police said they are treating the it as suspicious. Later in the day, a K9 police dog team was on site helping with the investigation.
On Sept. 18, residents of the west Edmonton neighbourhood said they saw police, including the tactical team, show up at the same home.
Neighbours said they saw the tactical team members approaching the duplex and take three people into custody. The neighbours said all were released a short time later.
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At first, police would not say if that house was the one where a warrant in relation to the disappearance of Samuel Bird was executed but on Monday, EPS confirmed it was.
“At this time, it is not known whether the fire is connected to the Samuel Bird investigation; however, given the circumstances, it is being treated as suspicious,” police said in an update to the fire.
Investigators are looking for a vehicle possibly connected to Monday’s blaze. The vehicle is a white cargo-style minivan with what appear to be white window coverings.
On Monday, Global News spoke to neighbours in the area who said there’s been increased activity around the home in the week and a half since it was searched by police.
The neighbours, who did not want to go on camera, said they saw vehicles being loaded up and what appears to be people buying items from the home.
Bird, 15, was last seen on the evening of June 1, leaving his home to visit a friend in the Canora area. Police said he was later reported to be seen leaving the friend’s home on foot, but never returned home.
He has not been seen by friends or family since.
Police said Bird is known to frequent West Edmonton Mall and is familiar with both the west end and south side.
In late August, police said investigators determined his disappearance to be suspicious and continue to seek tips from the public.
Bird’s family fears Samuel is dead.
Anyone with information about the fire or vehicle is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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