Photo of Arson Suspect Released

RCMP are seeking public assistance to help identify a Kelowna arson suspect who was caught on camera.

Witnesses called police after seeing a man sparking a blaze at Springfield and Burtch roads around 11 am Monday, and then running away.

Police believe the fire may be related to several other nuisance fires over the last couple weeks.

Investigators have released surveillance footage of the suspect from Monday, hoping it will generate some tips.

“The Kelowna RCMP General Investigations Section is working very closely with the Kelowna Fire Department to ensure all fires of a similar nature are linked when possible and fully investigated collaboratively between both agencies,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

On September 14th, shortly after 4 am, emergency crews responded to a report of a stack of wooden pallets on fire behind a business in the 1500 block of Gordon Drive. Damage to an adjacent duplex was sustained as a result of the blaze. A unidentified suspicious male was observed in the area prior to the fire.

On September 19th, shortly before 3 am, RCMP were dispatched to assist the fire department who had responded to a pair of dumpster fires in the rear parking lot of a business located in the 1800 block of Baron Road.

On September 21st, just before the noon hour, RCMP received a report of an apparent overnight arson discovered outside a business located in the 1500 block of Banks Road. The complainants suspected that the fire may have been lit by a transient individual and had since cleaned the scene.

On September 25th, RCMP were made aware of suspect arson incident which occurred on September 21st, where a small amount of debris was allegedly lit on fire, on the sidewalk in front of a business located in the 2300 block of Highway 97 North. The small fire was easily extinguished by a passerby.

Anyone with any information on any of the above arsons is asked to contact the Cst. Kevin Hamilton of the Kelowna RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) at 250-470-6302. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.