Two damaged vehicles at Budget Brake and Muffler in Kamloops. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

Vehicle Fires

UPDATE: Arson suspected as investigators probe fire at Kamloops auto repair shop

Jan 8, 2026 | 9:37 AM

KAMLOOPS — (UPDATE 11:15 a.m.): Kamloops RCMP believe a fire that destroyed two vehicles at a West Victoria Street auto repair shop Wednesday (Jan. 7) evening was intentionally set.

In a statement Thursday (Jan. 8), Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dana Napier said an early assessment indicates that the fire at Budget Brake and Muffler is a case of arson.

“The Kamloops RCMP continues to collaborate with Kamloops Fire Rescue investigators to learn more about the cause of the fire,” Napier said.

Police and Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) responded to 243 Victoria St West around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday evening. Napier said two vehicles were engulfed in flames and that explosions were reported.

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Damage to the interior of a vehicle at Budget Brake and Muffler in Kamloops. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

Damage to the interior of a vehicle at Budget Brake and Muffler in Kamloops. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

According to KFR Platoon Chief Will Harlock, staff at the auto shop said the initial fire started inside a vehicle. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to the building. 

Harlock also told CFJC Today that no one was seen in the vicinity of the vehicles at the time of the fires. He noted the cause of the fire is under investigation, and confirmed that KFR and the RCMP will be coordinating their investigations. 

People who have information are asked to contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2026-721.

– With files from Aaron Schulze/CFJC Today