No arrests for Intentionally Set Wildfire Task Force but new leads on Okanagan arson fires

OKANAGAN – Another season of wildfires has generated additional leads for the Intentionally Set Wildfires Task Force but so far, no arrests.

"These leads stem from information received from the public after the media release was completed in June,” senior media relations officer Staff Sgt. Ann Linteau said.

RCMP announced in June they had formed the task force and were investigating 29 wildfires they believed to be deliberately set at various locations in the Okanagan Valley from Lake Country south to Osoyoos.

The list included a fire in Lake Country that destroyed eight homes in July 2017.

Linteau said the task force had also helped local police forces with other wildfire arson investigations over the summer resulting in two additional unrelated criminal investigations.

The scope of the task force includes the first fire believed to have been intentionally set July, 7, 2014 in Naramata up to a fire set Sept. 1, 2017 in Summerland.

The Southeast District RCMP Intentionally Set Wildfires Task Force asks that anyone who has any information about any of the 29 wildfires or who may have seen anyone suspicious around the areas to contact the designated tip line 1-855-685-8788.

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