CHILLIWACK, B.C.

: On October 5th, 2013 Chilliwack RCMP responded to a motor vehicle fire at a residence in the 46000 block of Riverside Drive. At approximately 7:50 pm Chilliwack Fire Department had attended the location to extinguish a car engulfed in flames in the drive way of the residence. The victim, and registered owner, was leaving his driveway when the car exploded and caught fire. The victim was the only occupant of the vehicle when it caught fire. He sustained superficial burns and was treated locally in hospital and released. Preliminary circumstances suggested that the explosion may have been caused by a criminal act. As a result nearby residences were evacuated as a safety precaution and specialized units, the Lower Mainland Integrated Forensic Identification Section, the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, and the RCMP Explosives Disposal unit, were called to assist in the investigation. Subsequent Investigation though, proved that the explosion was not caused by a criminal act, but possibly, a motor vehicle defect. Evidence indicated that when the victim went to turn on the vehicle it ignited vapours from a leaking fuel line and caused the explosion. A mechanical Inspection has been requested for the vehicle to ascertain the specific cause of the fire. No property , other than the car, nor any other persons, were injured by the car fire.