Arson declared in house fire in Ontario town [Video]

What appears to be a prank turned into full-blown arson and very nearly burned a house down in Pickering Tuesday evening.

Fire crews and police were called to a home on Granby Court near Altona Road just after 10 p.m. on April 22 to find the front door of the home “fully engulfed.”

The homeowner, who was not at home at the time, spotted the fire on the doorbell camera and was able to alert the sole occupant to get out. Video from the camera revealed that an accelerant was used to start the fire, with a suspect observed placing a flaming item in the middle of the front porch.

The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival and no physical injuries were reported.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are appealing to any witnesses or anyone who may have video footage, including home surveillance or dashcam to contact …