COMMUNITY
BC Residents Urged to Check Surveillance Footage as Police Probe Suspicious Park and Roadside Fires
B.C. RCMP launch arson investigations into suspicious fires in Kelowna, the Shuswap region, and near Coquitlam. Police request dashcam and security video.
Multiple Fire Investigations Underway Across B.C.
Police departments in British Columbia have opened arson inquiries after several suspicious blazes were reported in various parts of the province.
In the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Mounties are looking into three roadside ditch fires along Squilax Anglemont Road. The blazes, reported around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, were spaced approximately 100 metres apart. Emergency crews responding to the scene faced additional calls as two more fires emerged in the Anglemont Estates area. While firefighters brought the flames under control with no damage reported, the incident led to two homes being placed under an evacuation order and another 35 under an evacuation alert.
Police Request Video Footage in Anmore and Belcarra Areas
Coquitlam RCMP are searching for video evidence to assist an ongoing investigation into a fire cause. Investigators are focusing on footage gathered between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 5, asking anyone with dashcam, mobile phone, or residential security video from areas in and around Anmore and Belcarra to step forward.
“Anmore and Belcarra are strong beautiful communities that take a great pride in maintaining their regional park,” said Const. Ashleigh Daniels, media relations officer for the Coquitlam RCMP, in a release. “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.” Members of the public can reach Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 using file number 2026-20259.
Kelowna Park Fires Extinguished by Alert Locals
In Kelowna, Mounties are probing a series of fires at Gopher Creek Linear Park that appear to have been intentionally started around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 5. Quick action by nearby residents and park visitors helped extinguish the small fires before the local fire department was contacted, according to police.
Kelowna RCMP are asking anyone who noticed unusual activity near the park, Gallagher Road, or Lynrick Road on the afternoon of Aug. 5 to come forward. Drivers in those areas between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. who may have dashcam footage are requested to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2026-50091.