The Maple Ridge fire department is investigating a fire which started at the back of a Maple Ridge home Thursday afternoon destroying a shed and part of a garage.
Smoke from the blaze at 12449 Meadowbrook Place could be seen from downtown Maple Ridge and several witnesses called 911 to report the fire which began around 2:30 p.m.
Helen Coombs and Shelley Pancoust were walking in a park near Laityview Elementary School when they saw a plume of black smoke and flames licking up a tree.
"When we walked over the fire wasn't at the garage yet, it was just starting to burn," said Pancoust, outside the house as firefighters battled the flames.
A man who lives in the house escaped with no injuries and a cat was rescued by firefighters.