Series of fires on Mount Boucherie arson, say police

Multiple fires ignited on Mount Boucherie Monday evening have been confirmed as arson, say police.

West Kelowna RCMP received a report of visible smoke coming from Mount Boucherie above Ponderosa Road at 5:11 p.m.

Police arrived on the scene as firefighters were working to extinguish several small fires along a hiking trail.

“A preliminary examination of the scene suggests that the fires were human-caused and believed to be deliberately set,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Physical evidence has been recovered from the scene, which will be part of the stillongoing police investigation.”

Six fires were extinguished by firefighters, said O’Donaghey.

Fire investigators are performing a full examination of the scene.

An individual believed to be connected to the fires was taken into custody near the scene. The adult male was identified and questioned. He was later released without charge. Mounties briefly engaged with four independent witnesses who were hiking in the area at the time.

However, officers were unable to get detailed information from the witnesses before they left the area.

Investigators are now urging those witnesses to come forward again, along with anyone else who might have information.

Witnesses can contact the RCMP at 250-768-2880 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.