(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Wildfire Watch

RCMP concerned Monday wildfires near Westwold were intentionally set

May 3, 2022 | 10:59 AM

KAMLOOPS — Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP say they’re investigating “the suspicious circumstances” surrounding two wildfires near Westwold Monday (May 2) afternoon.

After 2:30 p.m. Monday, police say they received a report of an unknown person lighting slash piles in the Westwold area: one on Douglas Lake Forest Service Road and one on Westwold Station Forest Service Road.

Cst. Chris Terleski says the detachment is “incredibly concerned” that someone would be intentionally starting the fires.

“After the destruction and devastation caused by wildfires last year, we appreciate and understand how terribly unsettling this is for residents,” Terleski says.

During their initial response, RCMP say they received unconfirmed reports that a small blue pickup truck being driven by a woman was seen leaving near both burns. Multiple officers, as well as an RCMP Air Services Helicopter, searched for the vehicle but couldn’t locate it. Police add no further information on the vehicle or suspect has been uncovered.

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Anyone in the Westwold area who witnessed anything suspicious, or has information related to the fires or the suspect small blue pickup truck, is asked to contact the Enderby office of the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP.