Teen arrested for arson in connection with townhouse fire

VERNON – A teenager has been arrested for arson in connection with a townhouse fire that sent residents fleeing the building.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says a 19-year-old man residing in the 44 Street townhouse will appear in court Friday on charges of arson with disregard for human life.

Fire officials said the blaze erupted in a second floor bedroom around 7:30 a.m. Thursday. The occupants in two neighbouring units within the complex were also forced to flee but everyone got out safely.

Those residents are being assisted with accommodation by Emergency Social Services until they can return home.

Police are investigating the possibility that a disagreement between residents led to the fire.

While there has been a rash of suspicious fires in Vernon lately, including torched boats, vehicles and most recently the Kin Race Track grandstands, authorities do not believe this incident is related to the others.

“The police and fire department continue to investigate this case, and indications are that this is an isolated incident,” Molendyk says.

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.