Fire at the Westbank Lion's Community Centre Sunday morning.
(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)
September 04, 2013 - 2:03 PM
WEST KELOWNA - The fire that defaced West Kelowna's community hall Monday morning is now believed to be arson.
The two storey 80-year-old building on Main Street caught fire just after 8:30 a.m. Monday, with 20 firefighters on scene to fight the flames.
Police announced yesterday the incident was suspicious in nature, but now have evidence to believe they are dealing with an act of arson.
"We deem a fire suspicious when the cause is undetermined or looks human caused," Clark says. "When we believe it's intentionally set, we commence an arson investigation."
Evidence indicates the fire originated outside and in front of the building.
In cases like this, Clark says often a form of accelerant is used to perpertuate or start the fire.
While the on scene investigation is complete, West Kelowna RCMP are still seeking witnesses.
"We're asking anybody that may have seen anything in the preceding hours that have yet to contact police to call the West Kelowna RCMP or contact Crimestoppers."
The West Kelowna RCMP general investigation section can be reached at 250 768 2880.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Julie Whittet at jwhittet@infotelnews.ca or call (250)718-0428.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013