Okanagan Centre fire was arson
Special To The Herald
Police investigators have pinpointed the spot where the Okanagan Centre fire started and confirmed the fire, which destroyed eight homes, was definitely arson.
“We are able to confirm that the fire was intentionally set,” RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said in a news conference Wednesday afternoon at the Kelowna detachment. “This . . . is being considered a criminal case of arson.”
He added that investigators have pinpointed the fire’s place of origin and it is on Okanagan Centre Road.
Earlier, police had said the fire was human-caused, which left open the possibility that it was an accident, but Moskaluk said police are now sure it was no accident.
The Mounties are still seeking more information to help with the investigation.
Moskaluk said two groups of people were involved in recreational activities or camping nearby when the fire started.
One group came forward. Police want to speak to the other group.
“It’s just solely to see if they witnessed any activity related to the fire,” said Moskaluk. “They might have seen something. They might have seen a vehicle leave. Anything and everything is possible.”
RCMP are asking people with photos, videos or any information to call the fire tip line at 250-707-8025.
Moskaluk specifically asked for cellphone pictures or videos taken from boats or cars, dash-cam videos, and pictures or videos from home security systems.
Police are willing to review all footage and photos from before, during and after the fire, Moskaluk said, adding police had already reviewed social media posts and media coverage.
The fire started about 4:30 p.m. on July 15 and spread quickly to 55 hectares in size. At the height of the blaze, 331 properties were ordered evacuated and residents of 657 more properties were on evacuation alert.
Eight homes on nearby Nighthawk Road were destroyed. Evacuated residents were allowed to return home on July 19.