West Kelowna police arrest suspect in weekend grass fire

West Kelowna RCMP arrested a 29-year-old man after a grass fire over the weekend. 

Police responded to a grass fire near Highway 97 and Sneena Road around 5:18 p.m. on July 4, according to a press release from RCMP. 

Firefighters were able to quickly get the fire under control and officers launched an investigation. 

Witnesses gave police information that led to the identity of a suspect.

The suspect was arrested for arson and mischief and he has since been released with a future court date. 

“Information provided by witnesses played a significant role in helping officers quickly identify and locate the suspect,” West Kelowna RCMP media officer Cpl. Devon Gerrits said in the release. “We appreciate members of the public who come forward with timely information that assists police investigations.”

The investigation is ongoing and police said no more information is available at this time. 

Fire risk in the region is high so police are asking anyone who sees a fire or risky behaviour to call 911. Suspicious behaviour that isn’t an emergency can be reported to West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.