Blaze Destroys 9 Vehicles, Damages 11 Others

Nov 15, 2018 | 2:17 PM

Surveillance camera footage from inside a carport parking structure, filled with numerous cars, which shows a suspect fleeing on a bicycle after a parked motor vehicle erupts into flames.

RCMP say Wednesday’s fire outside a Kelowna apartment building destroyed nine vehicles and caused heat damage to 11 others.

The suspicious blaze also forced the evacuation of the complex on Pandosy Street around 4 am.

“Key video evidence has been gathered from a surveillance camera installed near the scene,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP. “A full review of the footage has enabled police to deem the blaze an arson.”

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RCMP fire investigators are releasing a segment of the video to the public in hopes of advancing their investigation. The video clip shows an unknown individual, associated to a bicycle, as he or she allegedly ignites the blaze. Police have reason to believe an accelerant was used by the suspect.

“RCMP ask all gas stations in the surrounding areas of this fire scene to conduct a review of their transactions in the hours leading up to the massive blaze,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “We are particularly interested in any smaller point of sale purchases, especially those to an individual or individuals who attended the store on foot or on bicycle.”

Anyone with anything that may be of interest to our investigators, is urged to contact Cst. Nathan Nickel of the Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section at 250-470-6261. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net

by Corey Fischer