Suspected arson destroys Sask. First Nation's chief's house

A fire that destroyed the home of the chief of the Big River First Nation, about 160 kilometres north of Saskatoon, is considered suspicious.

In a release, RCMP said they received a call about a house fire at around 10 p.m. CST Saturday.

Officers found the house fully engulfed in flames.

No one was inside the home at the time, RCMP said.

RCMPspokesperson Jessica Cantos said the fire is considered suspicious and that police and provincial fire investigators continue to investigate.

"They're currently following up on tips received from the public and conducting interviews," she said. "Right now, it's still very early in our investigation and identifying people responsible."

RCMP will not confirm who owns the home, but a Facebook post by band councillor Sylvia McAdam said it was the home of Chief Jack Rayne, and that his family also lost their RV and other items.

A GoFundMecampaign that has been started said the Rayne family has lost everything, including clothing, personal items and family mementos.

As of noon Tuesday, ithad raised over $4,600 of its$50,000 goal.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.