Multiple car fires in Rutland now considered arson

KELOWNA – A pair of suspicious car fires were sparked just days apart outside the same home in a Kelowna neighbourhood and the RCMP would like some answers.

Mounties were called July 8 at 4:38 a.m. to assist the Kelowna Fire Department at a vehicle fire in the 800-block of Galbraith Place in Rutland. Firefighters were actively extinguishing the blaze which had spread to an adjacent structure when police arrived on scene.

“RCMP fire investigators have since conducted an examination of the vehicle, a black Acura TL, at the scene and now believe that the fire was deliberately set,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, of Kelowna RCMP said. 

“Police believe that the flames, which primarily damaged the exterior of the Acura sedan, had spread to the exterior of a nearby carriage house, that was occupied by two individuals at the time. Thankfully no one was injured.”

Just days earlier, on June 30, emergency crews responded to the same home, after a green Mazda Miata was found ablaze. Police are mindful that both cases, now believed to be the act of an arsonist, may be related to one another.

If you witnessed either incident and have not yet spoken to police, or you have any information that may assist our investigators, you are urged to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net
 

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