No conclusive proof of arson in Penticton motel fire, police say
PENTICTON – There is no evidence the fire at a motel in Penticton last week was set with the intention to harm anyone, according to RCMP.
Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth says local RCMP assisted members of the Penticton Fire Department with the investigation into the fire at the Highland Motel in Penticton's northend on June 30.
Wrigglesworth says the motel housed a number of vulnerable people, some of whom have mental health and addiction issues.
Because of firefighting tactics used on the building, investigators have only been able to determine the fire's area of origin, he says.
Wrigglesworth says the occupants of the parts of the motel that were fully engulfed in flames were interviewed and they denied starting the fire, and said they did not know how the fire started.
Authorities are working to find housing for those displaced by the motel fire.
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