Inuvik (Sep 01/06) - A fire that started in a taxi-cab outside an Adams Road home is currently under investigation by Inuvik RCMP officers.

The blaze was reported Tuesday Aug. 22. Deputy fire chief Julie Miller was the first on the scene.

"This was a suspicious fire, vehicles do not just self-ignite," said Miller.

Officials received a call from the Adams road home at 7:58 p.m.. Miller, the first on the scene, said she noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car. The rest of the department arrived five minutes later, and the fire was extinguished in 10 minutes. Seventeen firefighters battled the blaze.

RCMP Cpl. Dino Norris said the vehicle has been seized by officers and is awaiting an insurance inspection.

"There is a potential arson case here," said Norris. "It's the first thing we look for in situations like this."

The RCMP are still waiting for word from the owners' insurance company about the damage.

"We haven't heard anything yet, but the investigation is ongoing," said Norris.