RCMP investigating Salmon Arm carport fire as arson

KAMLOOPS – An arson fire in Salmon Arm destroyed a vehicle and a carport, almost spreading to a house earlier this week.

Police and fire crews responded to the suspicious fire at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, according to an RCMP media release.

RCMP say the people in the home awoke after hearing popping noises, likely from parts of the vehicle that was being destroyed by the fire. Residents saw a tall man fleeing the scene.

Firefighters were able to save the main structure from the blaze.

"As RCMP and fire department personnel investigated the scene it was determined that the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant," Salmon Arm RCMP Staff Sgt. Scott West says in the release. "RCMP investigators are treating this as arson and the investigation is ongoing."

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