Cause unknown in abandoned house fire

Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed an abandoned house in Vancouver’s Meadow Homes neighborhood Sunday evening.

Vancouver firefighters were called at 7:15 p.m. Sunday to a fully involved fire in an abandoned house, 4700 E. 18th St.

The house was a complete loss, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said Monday, with an estimated damage amount of $153,000.

The investigation into the cause of the fire was completed without a determination being reached.

“Due to the severe damage to the building, because it was so compromised, we couldn’t do a complete and thorough investigation,” Scarpelli said. “It’s highly likely that it (was) started by somebody staying there squatting in the home … We’re not sure.”