West Shore RCMP continue to investigate the cause of a trailer fire labelled as "suspicious" that happened July 2 at the Thetis Lake Campground and Trailer Park in View Royal.

The trailer was ultimately engulfed in flames and fire crews evacuated 10 mobile homes nearby as a precaution. The call came in just after 11 p.m. Thursday and nearly two dozen firefighters from the View Royal and Colwood fire departments attended the blaze at 1938 West Park Ln.

Crews quickly determined the occupants were not inside the burning home, though it was originally believed that someone was inside. Preliminary investigations determined the fire started inside the trailer, according to View Royal Fire Chief Paul Hurst.

Firefighters were concerned with the fact three or four other homes were situated within 10 to 15 feet of the trailer, and vented gas from propane tanks stored inside and around the home was causing the fire to spread. Hurst said residents of mobile homes nearby were evacuated, but the fire did not reach any other structures.

The presence of the propane tanks also made for a difficult and dangerous situation for firefighters. Hurst, noting he was concerned for their safety, said it was "far too dangerous to enter the trailer without knocking down (the fire) from a distance."

The chief was unable to release any other information on the findings at the fire scene while the police investigation is ongoing.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com