Nanaimo RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire at a problem residence.

The fire occurred at about 5 am on Sunday in the 1900 block of Stannard Drive.

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Police said when officers arrived, fire crews were already on scene. 

The house in question had filled with smoke however the fire was contained and extinguished without any significant damage being done to the building.

Two people were home at the time, and were not injured. 

Police are following up on information provided that two unknown people were seen running away from the residence shortly after the fire was detected.
 
The home was secured for the remainder of the day to allow fire inspectors time to examine the scene. 

“This residence has been a source of concern for the neighbourhood for some time due to illegal squatting and drug use,” said R/Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.