Surrey RCMP are recommending charges against three men after a suspicious fire in South Surrey early Saturday morning.
Crews were called to Crescent Park Market at 128 Street and 25 Avenue at 2:20 a.m. Saturday, where flames had engulfed the patio at the attached residence behind the corner store.
Surrey Battalion Chief Richard Ellis told Peace Arch News Sunday that crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, and all occupants of the house, including a cat, were safely evacuated.
"It was a quick knockdown, and the crews spent some time making sure it didn't extend into the house," Ellis said.
Surrey RCMP were called in to investigate after preliminary investigation deemed the fire as suspicious. According to Sgt. Paul Hayes, three males "stepped forward" while police were on scene Saturday and are believed to be involved in the fire.
Charges, including arson, have been recommended to the Crown, which will decide whether charges will proceed.
Hayes said there was "a lot of smoke and water damage," to the building, but the majority of the fire damage was confined to the exterior.