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By Aaron Schulze

Suspicious Fire

Merritt fire crew put out interface fire overnight, police investigating

Jul 25, 2025 | 8:31 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Police in Merritt are investigating after firefighters put out a small but visible fire on the west end of the city overnight.

Merritt Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson told CFJC Today that 19 of firefighters responded to Lookout Road, near the former Norgaard Ready-Mix and the Merritt Flagpole trail at 11:35 p.m. Thursday (July 24).

He said the BC Wildfire Service was also dispatched, and that while the fire crew to about a half a hectare in size, crews cleared the scene around 1:00 a.m. Friday (July 25) morning.

“Definitely human-caused,” Tomkinson said of the suspicious fire. “On our arrival, there was a campfire, or pallets on fire, but how the fire spread is what the RCMP are investigating.”

“This fire had the potential to spread rapidly, and we’re fortunate it was reported quickly and brought under control before it escalated.

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In a statement, he also said the presence of burning pallets was “deeply concerning,” and confirmed that the RCMP is investigating, and urged people to contact the Merritt RCMP.

“Unauthorized burning is strictly prohibited within the City of Merritt, and all suspicious fire activity should be reported immediately,” Tomkinson added, noting Category 2 and 3 Ofires are prohibited across the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Small campfires are still permitted within the City of Merritt with a valid permit.

Additionally, Merritt RCMP Const. Blake Chursinoff also told CFJC Today that people should check their backyards to see if any burning material is missing. If that’s the case, he said people should also reach out to the RCMP.

– With files from Victor Kaisar/CFJC Today