Fire at Fredericton home under construction deemed suspicious

The Fredericton Police Force says a fire that broke out at on the city’s north side over the weekend has been deemed suspicious.

Fire crews and police were called to Ashley Crescent at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday when a neighbour across the street called 911 after seeing flames.

Police spokesperson Heidi Cyr told Global News that Fredericton firefighters, police, ambulance, NB Power linemen and Enbridge Gas technicians were called to the scene.

READ MORE: Fire destroys Fredericton building

Cyr said seven fire apparatus were on scene and firefighters remained at the site of the blaze until 9:44 p.m.

Platoon Captain Steve Fraser confirmed to Global News Sunday night that the building was unoccupied and under construction.

Jacquelyn Oakley lives across the street and said she saw smoking coming out of the centre of the building minutes before it was engulfed in flames.

“We stepped outside and the neighbours were running over and you can feel the immense heat from the flames as well, it was very terrifying,” Oakley said.

Jacquelyn Oakley lives across the street and said she saw smoking coming out of the centre of the building minutes before it was engulfed in flames.

“We stepped outside and the neighbours were running over and you can feel the immense heat from the flames as well, it was very terrifying,” said Oakley.

Oakley said once she knew 911 had been called she immediately called Enbridge to find out if they needed to shut off the gas.

The townhouses are owned by Robin Clark Homes.

Clark was at the scene Monday, but told Global News he preferred not to provide any comment at this time.

Oakley described the damage as “devastating.”

“I know they were rushing to get one unit ready for people who had bought a unit and it’s just so sad to see it,” Oakley said.

Area-resident Malcom Price was walking past the scene Monday afternoon.  He said he lives around the corner and could see the flames from his patio.

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He said the townhouses that were being built are completely destroyed.

“You might be able to save the basement, that’s about it. ..It’s just a total waste…I’m just glad that no one was hurt,” Price said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You might be able to save the basement, that's about it. ..It's just a total waste…I'm just glad that no one was hurt," Price said.

Danny Poirier also lives in the neighbourhood and was out walking past the scene Monday. He said he came home Sunday night, saw several fire trucks and flames coming out of the roof of the building.

“It smelled like smoke,” Poirier said.  “It”s unbelievable that a fire would start in a brand new building, it’s unbelievable.”