The RCMP say the Okanagan Centre wildfire in Lake Country was intentionally set.
The fire broke out just over a week ago, on July 15, destroying 8 homes.
Corporal Dan Moskaluk says the investigation is now being treated as a criminal case of arson.
“Initially we’d stated suspicious in nature, human caused, which initially would lead one to possibly believe that either it was carelessness, or human caused but not intentional,” said Moskaluk at a press conference on Wednesday “This fire was intentionally set and it is a case of arson.”
The fire origin has been pinpointed by investigators and although Muskaluk wouldn’t share that information publically, he said the fire started on Okanagan Centre Road.
Investigators have identified a few groups of people that were doing recreational activities in the area on the day the fire broke out. Moskaluk says they’ve already spoken to one group but that they're still looking to speak to another group, comprised of adultes, who were camping.
“Those individuals probably self-recognize or self-identify with the fact that they would’ve been in the area when the fire would’ve just been starting, would’ve been smaller in nature and not the full bore blaze that it turned into,” he said “so we’re hopeful that they come forward and again it’s just a matter to speak with them, they might have footage or they might have seen something, they may have seen a vehicle leave.”
Investigators are also looking for any photos, video footage, even dash cam footage or CCTV from that day.
Specialized police resources and investigative techniques being devoted to the investigation, which involves several police detachments.
A dedicated tip line remains open to anyone with information: 250-707-8025.