Hamilton police say a “suspicious” house fire  that started late Tuesday night is now under investigation to determine whether arson was involved in the blaze that claimed the life of the family dog.

The fire broke out just after 11:30 p.m. at a home on York Road between Old Guelph and Newman roads.

Multiple fire crews arrived to see a fully engulfed fire, with heavy smoke and flames pouring through windows as they arrived.

As they fought the blaze, Hamilton Fire says they received word that someone may be inside.

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“Two additional crews went inside to immediately start search and rescue operations. As they entered they were met with extreme heat and a large amount of flame on the first floor. crews battled that fire, knocked it down, as they were able to do their search.” said Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe.

Cunliffe says crews were able to determine there was no one in the house.

Neighbour Dana Inglis watched the fire from her home.

“So I came out and pretty much right away i could see smoke everywhere and within five or ten minutes the whole back of the house was in flames.” she said.

Officials say one man lived in the home, but nobody was home at the time of the incident except for a family pet.

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“Our officers and firefighters quickly entered the residence and were able to confirm that the residence was empty although there was a family dog that perished in the fire.” said Hamilton police officer Indy Bharaj.

Police say the cause of the fire has yet to be determined as it is now being investigated as suspicious after witnesses reported seeing someone around the time at the time.

“After speaking to witnesses we did receive information that there was an individual that was seen in the area prior to and after the fire. Now our officers are working off that information and following those leads.” said Bharaj.

In the aftermath of the fire, windows and siding were scorched and melting with damages estimated at greater than $750,000.

An arson investigation is now underway as police used a drone throughout the afternoon in their search for answers.

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