By Corey Fischer

Suspect Questioned Over Arson Fires

Jul 3, 2018 | 2:03 PM

Police say a series of fires along a hiking trail in West Kelowna appear to have been human caused and deliberately set.

Firefighters were called to Mt. Boucherie above Ponderosa Road Monday afternoon to put out six small fires.

“A preliminary examination of the scene suggests that the fires were human caused and are believed to be deliberately set,” says RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Physical evidence has been recovered from the scene, which will be part of the still ongoing police investigation.”

Photo courtesy of West Kelowna Fire Rescue

A man believed to be connected to the fires was taken into custody near the scene. He was questioned and released without charge at this time.

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“Responding RCMP officers briefly engaged with as many as four independent witnesses, reportedly hiking in the area, upon their arrival at the scene. Officers were unable to immediately obtain the witnesses detailed information prior to their departure from the active scene and investigators are now urging those witnesses to come forward again,” says O’Donaghey.

All witnesses, or anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net

by Corey Fischer