The scene on Gladys Avenue looked dramatic, with a number of Abbotsford Fire Rescue members and police officers on hand, including some wearing protective suits and gas masks.
But Const. Ian MacDonald said police were simply looking into a tip they received based on an "historic investigation," although he could not elaborate. They arrived at the residence at about 2:30 p.m.
He said officers wore the protective suits and AFRS was on scene because the home – located at 34183 Gladys Avenue – is known to contain asbestos and mold.
Police officers broke down a side door with a battering ram to gain access, but it is not known what, if anything, they discovered inside the home.
The residence is located on Gladys Avenue across from one of the main homeless camps. Although it is boarded up, it is known to contain squatters.
That property was cleaned up in February 2013, following numerous complaints from neighbours about the mountain of garbage on the site and squatters camped out on the land. The city obtained a court order for the owner to clean up the site, including the removal of a large boat in the front yard.