There is very little left of a garage (l) behind a rental property on South Kelly Street. Photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – The owner or a rental property that was heavily damaged in a fire early Sunday morning says he is not certain where or how the fire started.

John MacDonnell was at the property in the 200 block South Kelly Street early Sunday afternoon and said it was apparent the insurance adjuster had been around because “they have people already boarding the back up.”  MacDonnell says the building consists of a 3-bedroom suite on the top floor, a 3-bedroom suite on the second floor and six housekeeping rooms on the bottom floor.

He says the top suite has one occupant while two people live on the second floor.  All six housekeeping rooms have been vacant as renovations have been taking place.  MacDonnell was pleased to say that the three residents escaped the fire safely.  He wasn’t too sure about a cat that belonged to one of the residents or about several reptiles, snakes and iguanas, that also belonged to a tenant.

As far as MacDonnell knows the fire began in the area behind the building.  A garage that was back there was destroyed by the flames.  He says he is glad that both the Fire Department and the RCMP are investigating “because I want to find out what caused the fire.”

As far as the future of the structure, believed built in the 1970s, is concerned MacDonnell says that will rest in the hands of the insurance company.

The fire was reported shortly before 2 o’clock Sunday morning.  Damage is estimated at more than $100,000.00.