The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is investigating a pair of suspicious fires that occurred in downtown Vernon Tuesday night (October 18).
Shortly before midnight, a frontline officer on patrol located flames coming from a pile of garbage and cardboard boxes against a hydro pole at the intersection of 27th Ave and 35th St in Vernon. The officer quickly put the fire out using an extinguisher from his vehicle, preventing any damage to the pole.
Several hours later, around 5 a.m on Wednesday, October 19, an officer observed flames coming from a commercial garbage container behind a business in the 2700-block of 30th St. Personnel from Vernon Fire Rescue Services quickly responded and extinguished the fire.
The cause of the fires has not yet been determined, however both are suspected of being deliberately set, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Officers will be canvassing the area for video surveillance as part of the ongoing investigation and police are asking anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity, or has information on either of these fires, to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171.