FILE PHOTO: A hiker on Mt Boucherie in 2016. Police say six small fires were purposely set on these hiking trails July 2, 2018.
(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)
July 03, 2018 - 12:44 PM
WEST KELOWNA - Six separate fires on Mt. Boucherie yesterday, July 2 were all intentionally set.
Police and fire investigators have obtained physical evidence from the locations to inform their findings that it was indeed arson.
Shortly after 5 p.m., West Kelowna RCMP and West Kelowna Fire Rescue were called to visible smoke and found the fires burning along a hiking trail.
“A preliminary examination of the scene suggests that the fires were human caused and are believed to be deliberately set,” says RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Physical evidence has been recovered from the scene, which will be part of the still ongoing police investigation.”
Police and fire investigators continue to gather evidence at the scene. A man arrested and questioned at the scene was released without charges at this time.
Police officers also spoke to four hikers in the area and they urge those hikers to contact police.
All witnesses, or anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.
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