Arson investigations launched for some B.C. fires as wildfires continue to burn

Police agencies across British Columbia are investigating a number of recent fires as suspected arson cases, as the province continues to grapple with wildfire activity. The investigations come amid concerns about the deliberate ignition of fires in various locations.

In the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, the RCMP is examining three suspicious fires discovered in a ditch along Squilax Anglemont Road. These fires, reported around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, were spaced approximately 100 meters apart. Shortly after, two more fires were reported in the Anglemont Estates area. Fortunately, these fires were contained, and no damage was reported.

Meanwhile, Coquitlam RCMP is investigating the cause of a fire that ignited in Belcarra Regional Park on Wednesday afternoon. This fire led to an evacuation order for two homes and an evacuation alert for 35 others. Authorities are specifically requesting video footage, including dashcam, cellphone, or residential surveillance, from individuals who were in the vicinity of Sugar Mountain Trail, Crystal Creek Drive, Fern Drive, Magnolia Way, Hemlock Drive, Oak Court, Black Bear Way, Uplands Drive, and Deerview Lane between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on August 5th.

Separately, RCMP in Kelowna are probing a series of small fires that appear to have been intentionally set in Gopher Creek Linear Park on August 5th. Park users and nearby residents took swift action to extinguish these fires before contacting the Kelowna Fire Department. Investigators are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or unusual events in the park or along Gallagher Road or Lynrick Road during the afternoon of August 5th. Drivers with dashcam footage from the area between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are also urged to come forward.

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Anmore and Belcarra are strong beautiful communities that take a great pride in maintaining their regional park. We are asking anyone who was in the area, witnessed anything suspicious, or may have video footage or information related to this investigation to contact police.