Police in Kelowna investigating suspicious grass fire

KELOWNA – RCMP are now investigating what they say is a suspicious grass fire on Dilworth Mountain.

According to a news release by Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey, police and the Kelowna Fire Department responded to reports of a grass fire on Dilworth Mountain at roughly 4:43 p.m. yesterday, July 19. The fire was in the vicinity of Omineca Place.

Firefighters quickly contained the 0.1-hectare blaze, and fire investigators from both the fire department and RCMP examined the scene. As a result, investigators have deemed the fire as suspicious, O'Donaghey says.

RCMP spoke with witnesses in the area and canvassed nearby homes. O'Donaghey says police want to remind the public to remain vigilant, and if you see flames or smoke call 911, along with taking note of any suspicious people in the area.

If you spot a person who you believe may be involved, take note of their full physical description and any vehicles they may be associated to.

O'Donaghey says video footage or photos of the fire in its early stages may help investigators find a point of origin, and photos of people and vehicles in the area at the time may also be of assistance as police work to identify a person of interest.

If you witnessed the incident and haven't yet spoken to police, or you have any information, you're asked to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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