RCMP dig into downtown dumpster fires

VERNON – There has been another suspicious dumpster fire in the downtown area.

It started in a green metal dumpster in the 2900 block of 43rd Avenue just after 11 p.m. September 10. This is the sixth of its kind to baffle police this summer, and they are appealing to the public for help.

"We'd like to know what we're dealing with, if it's one or two people doing this," RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says.

The pattern started back in July, when three dumpsters and a stack of wooden pallets were set afire in just 24 hours in Vernon's downtown. Six weeks later, there was another incident, that time in a recycling bin. Now, there has been a sixth case.

"It's very concerning that we've had another bin fire," Molendyk says. "If they're connected, I can't say."

The fires have typically been set in alleys or back parking lots at night when there isn't much foot traffic. So far, Molendyk says there haven't been any solid leads.

"We feel it's only a matter of time before one causes severe damage or is life-threatening," Molendyk says. "We're concerned about a business going up."

RCMP continue to investigate, and ask that anyone with information about any of the suspected arsons call the detachment at 250-545-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.