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(Pattison Media file photo)
By Pete McIntyre
small explosion

Incident outside residence investigated as arson

Jan 4, 2022 | 2:52 PM

Police are conducting an arson investigation after a fire broke out near a Vernon residential building on New Year’s Eve.

RCMP received a report of a small explosion outside of a residence in the 3700 block of 24th Avenue on Friday, Dec. 31, with police officers and firefighters attending.

A small fire was found near the outside wall of the building.

“Occupants of the building managed to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread prior to the arrival of emergency responders,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer. “No injuries were reported and the exterior of the building sustained a small amount of damage as a result of the fire.”

Terleski said the cause of the fire remains undetermined; but preliminary findings suggest it may have been deliberately set, leading to the arson investigation.

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Anyone who witnessed the incident or have information that may assist in the investigation, and have not yet spoken to police, is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171 and quote file 2021-24517.

This incident was at the same address given by police for a targeted drive by shooting on Jan. 2, and Vernon Matters reached out to RCMP to see if the two incidents were connected.

“When conducting an investigation, we are always looking for any possible connections to other ongoing investigations. However, at this point, we have not uncovered any evidence or information that suggests the incidents are related,” Terleski told Vernon Matters.

by Pete McIntyre
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