SURREY — A problem house in Newton was all but burned to the ground early Thursday morning, and arson is suspected.
"We've attended that house in the past for illegal and drug activities," said Cpl. Bert Paquet, of the Surrey RCMP.
Last week the city evicted the tenants of 6832-134th St., rendering the house abandoned.
Capt. Marc Berube, of the Surrey fire department, said the owner was planning to restore the house. Now even firefighters are wary of entering it, in case intravenous needles have been left behind.
"We really have to be careful how to dig it out," Berube said.
The fire fully engulfed the house, but didn't spread to neighbouring homes.
A neighbour called it in, just before 1 a.m.
"We have it as suspicious," Berube said, at the scene.
Paquet said police have canvassed the neighbourhood for clues but have found no witnesses.
"The residence is known to police regarding illegal activities and was condemned by Surrey fire and bylaws due to electrical fire hazards," Paquet said. "The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and being investigated by Surrey Fire Services."