RCMP investigating ‘suspicious’ Revelstoke apartment fire

RCMP are investigating after a suspicious apartment fire this morning forced residents of the building into the street.

RCMP received a request to assist Revelstoke Fire Services, who were responding to a structure fire at an apartment building located in the 1200 block of Front Street, at around 12:41 a.m. today, Oct. 28.

Officers met fire crews at the scene and determined the fire was started and contained inside a vacant and insecure unit, according an RCMP press release.

“Preliminary findings at the fire scene suggest that the blaze is suspicious in nature and may have been deliberately set,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the B.C. RCMP in the Southeast District, in the press release.

“Quick thinking and acting residents not only alerted other building tenants to the situation, but ensured proper evacuations and utilized fire extinguishers to prevent the fire from spreading. RCMP has not received any reports of injuries.”

The scene will be examined by forensic specialists with the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Services to determine the cause and to gather evidence to support the investigation, RCMP said.

Anyone with any additional information, or building residents who have not yet spoken to police, are asked to contact the Revelstoke RCMP at 250-837-5255, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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