EDMONTON - Investigators believe a massive house fire in the Ellerslie neighbourhood on Saturday was caused by an unattended candle.
The blaze broke out at the rear of the home at 89 St and 8 A Ave SW just after 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
"The fire was very well advanced by the time we got on scene," said Captain David Bosch. "Everybody was out of the house and I understand that it's just a family pet that's missing. And hopefully the pet is out of the house but we haven't found it yet."
Residents, visibly emotional, could be seen comforting each other, while neighbours stood and watched in shock as flames tore through the home.
On Saturday, Cpt. Bosch said he believed the damage has left the house beyond repair.
"It's a major loss, I don't believe we'll be rebuilding this house. It'll probably be torn down and have to be rebuilt again so it's probably a write-off."
Fire investigators now say the blaze caused about $400,000 dollars worth of damage to the home and its contents. A neighbouring home suffered about $10,000 dollars worth of damage.
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