Fire scene in 2800 block of 30th Street as of July 5. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Pete McIntyre

RCMP update

Police seeking tips as part of Vernon fire probe

Jul 5, 2023 | 2:00 PM

RCMP say its forensics officers have completed their investigation of the fire scene in downtown Vernon, and are now hoping public tips can help further the investigation into the cause.

Up to eight businesses on 30th Street were destroyed in the early morning fire on Tuesday, July 4, which has been classified as suspicious.

Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said the first officers on the scene that morning, were seeking information.

“While the fire department was battling the fire, our officers canvased the area for potential witnesses or video surveillance of the incident,” Finn said. “Based on information we learned at the scene, police are treating the fire as suspicious.”

Details about the ‘information” learned at the scene have not been released by Mounties, but Finn said police continue to investigate the cause.

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“If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact Constable Josh Baron at the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP non-emergency line of 250-545-7171,” Finn said.

People with information can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.