(Submitted photo/Julie Dodds).

By Aaron Schulze

Westsyde Fire

‘Devastated and angry’: Kamloops couple loses everything as house is intentionally set on fire

Feb 16, 2022 | 1:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — The fire at Warrens Mobile Home Park near Batchelor Hills in Kamloops Wednesday (Feb. 16) morning is considered suspicious.

Surveillance video captured by one of the two units affected shows someone riding a bike into Julie Dodds’ mother’s carport, pouring an accelerant on storage items, lighting it on fire and riding away.

Dodds told CFJC Today her mother lost everything in the fire, including her cat. She says her mother feels devastated and angry.

“It’s an odd combination to feel so hurt by somebody that you don’t know and has randomly taken everything from you,” Dodds says. “They literally have the clothes on their backs, they’re not allowed to go into [the trailer], and it looks like a complete loss.

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According to Dodds, her mom’s neighbour’s house was damaged on the side that faces their home. She says the neighbours reported the fire.

“My mom and her husband were already at work this morning when it started,” Dodds says.

“They’re organizing temporary housing… there are some services, and through their insurance they’ll get something. They’re feeling the love and support and it’s much appreciated.”

Dodds says the best way the community can support her mother and her mother’s husband is to keep an eye out for who the person who set the fire may be. She notes there have been multiple fires set within the community lately.

Kamloops RCMP confirm they’re investigating the fire.