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The scene of the Aug. 4 grass fire by Carlson Park. (Image Credit: Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)
By Liam Verster
Grass Fires

Arson charges laid in Commonage area fires

Aug 19, 2026 | 12:33 PM

A 33-year-old woman faces numerous charges in relation to two fires in Vernon’s Commonage area earlier in the month.

At 1:23 p.m. on Aug. 4, police and fire crews responded to a grass fire on Commonage Road near Bench Row Road, and shortly after that, they were again called to another grass fire by Carlson Park.

The initial investigation determined the two grass fires were human-caused and intentionally lit.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP took over the case and arrested and charged a suspect on Aug 14.

Mariah Banning Baer of West Kelowna was charged with:

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  • One count of arson in relation to an inhabited property
  • Two counts of arson in relation to property
  • One count of possession of incendiary material
  • One count of disguising face with intent to commit and indictable offence
  • One count of breaching a probation order

“We reached this point in our investigation through a tremendous amount of hard work by our investigators and the collective effort of everyone involved,” Sergeant David Evans of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP stated.

“Their effort, dedication, and excellent police work is what made this outcome possible.” 

Baer appeared in court for an initial hearing but remained in custody as of time of publication pending a bail hearing.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.

by Liam Verster
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