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Arson Investigation

Vernon resident charged with Salmon Arm arson

Jun 10, 2022 | 11:13 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — A Vernon man has been charged with arson after a fire at a Salmon Arm business.

On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, RCMP and fire crews were dispatched to a suspicious fire in the 800-block of 28th Avenue NE in Salmon Arm.

Police say two fires were set at a business with a residence above the business.

“Upon hearing suspicious noises and smelling smoke, the occupants of the residence contacted emergency services and exited the residence without injury. Fire crews attended to extinguish the fire and found a man inside,” said Staff Sgt. Scott West.

“Investigators were able to quickly determine that the fires had been intentionally set using an accelerant,” West added.

Salmon Arm RCMP officers arrested 42-year-old Steven Alexander Albert of Vernon.

He appeared in court on June 9 facing charges or arson damaging property and break and enter.

The suspect remains in custody and will appear in Kamloops court on June 13.

RCMP did not release the name of the business where the fires were.