An investigation of the scene, conducted by North Okanagan RCMP, determined the circumstances of the fire to be suspicious and police are now turning to the public for their assistance in furthering the investigation.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RCMP
August 01, 2021 - 2:03 PM
Two deliberately set grass fires in Armstrong have ignited the interest of North Okanagan RCMP.
A member of the public was out for a walk around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31, when they discovered two small grass fires burning in the ditch near the intersection of Otter Lake Road and Fraser Road in Armstrong.
RCMP said in a press release sent out Sunday, Aug. 1, that after calling 911, the witness successfully snuffed out the majority of the flames, preventing the spread of the fire prior to the arrival of police and fire crews.
Then a second small fire was discovered in the vicinity and also contained and put out.
An investigation of the scene determined the circumstances of the fire to be suspicious and police are now turning to the public for their assistance in furthering the investigation.
"It’s distressing that someone would be jeopardizing the safety of our community by intentionally setting these fires," Cpl. Dave Blake of the North Okanagan RCMP said in a press release. "We are asking anyone who has any information about these fires that may assist the investigation to please contact police."
Specifically, police are asking anyone who was in the area of Otter Lake Road and Fraser Road on the morning of Saturday, July 31, between 5 a.m., and 5:30 a.m., who witnessed anything suspicious, or was driving in the area and has dashcam video, to contact the North Okanagan RCMP at 250- 546 3028.
Or, remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1 800 663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible, or call 911.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
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