Three suspected arson fires in Fruitvale plague first responders
By Trail Champion
Trail and area police and fire crews were kept busy this recently with a suspicious house fire and four vehicular fires in less than two weeks.
According to Acting Sgt. Devon Reid, a call came in yesterday at 6 a.m. for a structure fire in Fruitvale.
“No one was injured in the blaze, but the residence was completely consumed by the fire,” Reid said. “The investigation is still ongoing, however, police have determined that this was likely a targeted act of arson, and that the resident of the burnt dwelling and the suspect are known to each other.”
No arrests have been made at this time.
Meanwhile, fully four vehicle fires since July 9 have kept first responders on their toes – two of which, on July 11, were deemed mechanical, but two of which, one on July 9 and July 19, appear to be arson. Police think those two fires are related.
“On July 9, at approximately 1 a.m., police were called to assist the Fire Department at a vehicle that was on fire in Fruitvale,” said Reid. No one was injured in the blaze, but the vehicle was completely consumed by the fire. Police were able to locate the registered owner of the vehicle and determine that the keys were still with the owner and that the vehicle may have been stolen.”
The exact same scenario happened again in Fruitvale on July 19, this time at 12 a.m.
“Both of these fires are suspicious in nature and the investigation is still ongoing,” Reid said. “Police feel that that these were both likely targeted acts of arson related to the theft of the vehicles.”
Police would like to ask the public to call the Trail RCMP Detachment at 250-364-2566 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) if they have any information related to these investigations.
