Firefighters and police are investigating a suspicious early morning blaze that destroyed an empty house in Markham.
Markham firefighters arrived at the home on Lee Avenue near Brimley Road, just south of the 407 shortly after receiving a call early Thursday morning.
Chris Rouble, platoon chief with Markham Fire and Emergency Services, told CTV Toronto at the scene that the structure was engulfed in flame when crews arrived.
Firefighters were unable to enter the large house, which neighbours say was under construction some time ago, but work stopped about a year ago with the building left unfinished and uninhabited.
"Currently, the fire is suspicious," Rouble told CTV Toronto. "We have investigative crews from York Regional Police and Markham Fire and Emergency Services investigating."
That the fire took place in an empty structure and began at such an early hour allowed it to take hold quickly, Rouble speculated. "It was very difficult for us to save the house," he added.
There were no injuries reported. A Montessori elementary school next door is reportedly undamaged.
