Reader Natalee Sanford captured this shot of 217 Nelson Ave. on Feb. 14, 2018. The glow of the flames can be seen around the building.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Natalee Sanford
February 15, 2018 - 3:10 PM
KAMLOOPS - An explosive device is believed to be behind a fire that damaged a North Kamloops problem home last night.
Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk says in a news release today, Feb. 15, that police and fire crews arrived to 217 Nelson Ave. at approximately 9 p.m. last night.
He says an investigation revealed a subject approached the vacant home and tossed an incendiary device inside.
Police are working with Kamloops Fire Rescue to gather evidence. Buliziuk says a blue, newer model pickup was observed near the home, and the suspect is believed to have fled in this vehicle.
Anyone with information surrounding this incident is asked to call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800-222-8477.
"This residence has been known for its criminal activity over recent years and has been the subject of several Police investigations," Buliziuk says.
Kamloops Fire Rescue Platoon Capt. David Ferguson said earlier today that crews responded to 217 Nelson Ave. shortly before 9 p.m. last night, Feb. 14.
"They had light smoke and flames showing from one corner of the building," Ferguson says.
The blaze was contained to that area of the house, according to Ferguson, minimizing the amount of damage to the structure.
He says RCMP warned firefighters to be cautious when tackling the flames because it wasn't known what objects could have been inside.
Police have attended the property several times in the past, including after a shooting, and when officers seized weapons and drugs from the home.
"There was some concerns with the occupants of the house, as to the stuff that they might find in there," Ferguson says.
Crews fought the fire from the outside of the building until it was finally knocked down.
— This story was updated at 4:10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, to include new information from Kamloops RCMP.
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