Police need help finding arsonist

KELOWNA – Kelowna Mounties are investigating two suspicious hedge fires set early this morning.

Kelowna RCMP and Kelowna Fire Department were first called to a hedge fire at 1:34 a.m. in the 400 block of Highway 33 East, then just an hour later, at 2:29 a.m. to nearby Ponto Road, in the 100 block.

Both fires were extinguised, but police are asking more questions, Const. Jesse O'Donaghey said in a release.

"Police are treating both fires as suspicious in nature and continue to investigate the possibility that they are related," she said.

The fire on Highway 33 caused damage to nearby garbage bins and vegetation. The Ponto Road fire spread to a large shed. Occupants weren't home at the time.

Kelowna RCMP are asking the public to report any suspicious persons or activity.

Anyone who may have witnessed any persons or vehicles in the area at the time of the fires are asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.