Police lay arson charges after multiple Vernon fires

A 34-year-old man has been charged with three counts of arson after a string of fires in Vernon.

Police were alerted to “several” fires lit outsides businesses on the 3400-block of 30 Avenue around 8:30 a.m. on July 13, according to a release from the Vernon RCMP.

Employees from one business who arrived to work around 4:45 a.m. noticed a pile of smouldering debris along the side of the building. They extinguished it and then noticed a smaller fire across the street, and they put that one out too.

A suspect was captured on surveillance lighting the fires at three separate locations. Footage was detailed enough for investigators to be able to identify and arrest the person later in the day.

"This type of reckless behaviour endangers and puts our entire community at risk," Const. Chris Terleski said in the release. "Thankfully, no serious damage resulted, however, we are very aware the outcome of this situation could have been much different, even disastrous."

Roman Roy Ooley has been charged with three counts of arson. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance.

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