Police investigate suspicious grass fire in Kelowna
By The Nelson Daily Sports
RCMP continue to work alongside the Kelowna Fire Department as they investigate a grass fire sparked on Dilworth Mountain Thursday afternoon in Kelowna said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey Media Relations Officer for Kelowna RCMP in a media release.
On July 19, 2018 at 4:43 pm, the Kelowna RCMP responded alongside the Kelowna Fire Department to reports of a grass fire on Dilworth Mountain in the vicinity of Omineca Place. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the estimated 0.1 hectare blaze, and ensure it didn’t spread. Fire investigators of both the RCMP and Kelowna Fire Department examined the scene.
As a result of that examination, investigators have deemed the fire as suspicious, said Cpl. O’Donaghey.
RCMP spoke with witnesses in the area and canvassed nearby homes for potential witnesses.
RCMP would like to remind the general public to remain vigilant, if you spot flames or smoke, call 911 and try to take note of any suspicious persons in the immediate area, said Cpl. O’Donaghey. If you spot a person who you believe may be involved, take note of their full physical description and any vehicles they may be associated to.
Video footage or photos of the fire in its early stages may aid investigators in locating a point of origin, adds Cpl. O’Donaghey. Images of persons and vehicles in the area at the time, may also be of assistance to police as they work to identify a person of interest.
If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police or you have any information you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net
The Okanagan has been plagued by a rash of wildfires, including a couple of major blazes near Summerland and Peachland. Though many of the fires stabilized Saturday thanks to cooler conditions, officials are expecting they could ramp up again as temperatures rise.
Beginning Sunday, and for the foreseeable future, temperature in the Interior is most likely to be 30 C degree range with very little rain in the forecast.
