Vernon woman arrested following hedge fire

VERNON – A 27-year-old Vernon woman was arrested by RCMP this morning after allegedly setting fire to a hedge and attempting to get into the gas tank of an RV.

Vernon resident George Pater, who lives in the 3800 block of 27 Ave., said he saw police arrest the woman after he called 911.

Pater said he saw the woman trying to break into his RV's gas tank at around 9:30 a.m. today, July 20.

"She was stoned right out of her mind," said the 81-year-old, adding that she had two cigarette lighters on her and a pocket full of grass.

RCMP spokesperson Staff Sgt. Annie Linteau said in a press statement the woman is alleged to be responsible for starting a hedge fire at Tamarack apartment building at 3701 27 Ave. shortly after 8 a.m.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a woman lighting a row of hedges on fire before fleeing the scene. The RCMP statement says the description of the woman matches both eyewitnesses' accounts.

Vernon Fire Rescue interim fire chief David Lind said the hedge fire caused plenty of smoke and fumes but was easily extinguished by firefighters when they arrived at the Tamarack building following a 911 call this morning.

Lind said the circumstances surrounding the fire appeared suspicious so they passed it onto the RCMP.

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