BEAVER — A couple was not at their U.S. Highway 101 home on New Year’s morning when their house filled with smoke caused by what officials are calling a suspicious fire.

The fire is under investigation, Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy Ed Anderson said Monday.

“We believe it was a fire that was intentionally set,” Anderson said, declining further comment to preserve the investigation.

“Right now, we’re just trying to determine the origin and cause of the fire, but it definitely is suspicious.”

County records show that the structure has a fireplace and a wood stove, Chief Appraiser Bill Corcoran said.

Called in by driver

Anderson said a driver traveling by the four-bedroom, two-bath 201821 U.S. Highway 101 house called 9-1-1 at 9:16 a.m. Friday after spotting the smoke.

Anderson said emergency personnel from the Forks and Beaver fire departments snuffed the smoky fire inside the 1,564-square-foot structure before it became fully involved.

The 2015 valuation of the home built in 1925 is $121,569, according to county records.

“The house was saved due to the firefighters,” Anderson said.

The house did sustain significant smoke damage.

Anderson said the owners, longtime Forks-area residents, have been contacted.

He urged anyone with information about the fire or who saw anyone coming or going to the residence in the early morning hours Friday to call 360-417-4798.

“It’s right on the highway,” Anderson said.

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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5060, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.