Torched boat latest in series of suspected arsons

VERNON – A torched boat is the latest in a series of suspicious fires under investigation by authorities.

Deputy fire chief Jack Blair says an 18 foot recreational ski boat with a For Sale sign on it was set ablaze in a parking lot in the 2300 block of 48 Avenue around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

A passerby noticed the flames and reported it to the fire department.

The blaze follows two suspicious dumpster fires, two structure fires in vacant buildings and a burnt porta-potty.

“It’s been a crazy cluster of them,” Blair says. “We’re working with the RCMP to see if there are any links between them.”

The boat fire represents the most expensive damage so far in the rash of suspected arsons.

Police are asking anyone with information about the fires to call the Fire Department, the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.