RCMP investigating after fire destroys North Okanagan house

A fire that burned down a house in Coldstream last night has been deemed suspicious.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officers were called at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14 to help the Coldstream Fire Department with a structure fire, according to a RCMP press release. Police evacuated people out of neighbouring properties while firefighters battled the flames.

The building was completely destroyed by the fire.

“A full and comprehensive investigation into the incident is being undertaken,” said Cst. Chris Terleski with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, in the press release.

“The investigation is in the preliminary stages and the cause of the fire remains undetermined, however, at this time we are treating the fire as suspicious. The residence has been secured to allow officers to conduct their investigation and for the examination and collection of any physical evidence at the scene.”

More information will be shared as it becomes available, according to the release.

Anybody who may have witnessed suspicious activity leading up to the fire, or has info that could help investigators, is asked to call the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.

READ MORE: Suspicious fire causes significant damage to boarded-up Kelowna duplex

– This story was updated at 9:28 a.m. to include an updated photo of the incident.

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