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West Kelowna RCMP investigating linked Smith Creek fires
Two wildfires that flared up on Wednesday morning near Smith Creek Road and Dixie Road in West Kelowna are suspected to have been caused by UTV-driving members of the public who were spotted shooting off fireworks the previous evening.
West Kelowna Fire and Rescue and the B.C. Wildfire Service responded with groundcrews and aerial support — including helicopters — and have contained the two fires, which were separated by about 500 metres. There were no injuries reported or evacuations needed. Because of the proximity, the second wildfire is believed to be related to the first.
The West Kelowna RCMP and the Ministry of Forests are investigating the fire’s sources. At approximately 10:45 p.m. Tuesday evening, individuals operating a utility terrain vehicle were reportedly seen setting off fireworks in the area. The UTV has been found, and the investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information regarding this wildfire are asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at (250) 768-2880 and reference file number 2025-47891 or 2025-47956. If you wish to remain anonymous contact the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Motorcycle, tobacco contraband seized in separate stops on Sea-To-Sky
Two drivers are facing charges, fines and driving bans after a day of smuggling and speeding on the Sea to Sky.
Earlier this week, an RCMP highway patrol motorcycle officer recorded a Suzuki motorcycle doing 196 km/h in an 80 zone on Highway 99 near Furry Creek. He pulled over the 40-year-old Abbotsford man, who failed the roadside breathalyzer test twice. He received a 90-day driving ban, an excessive speeding ticket, and the motorcycle was impounded for 30 days.
“On the bright side, the motorcyclist did not die or kill anyone else,” said RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “Excessive speed plus alcohol impairment is a recipe that we see time and again in fatal collisions.”
Earlier in the day just outside Squamish, RCMP stopped a pickup being driven by a 42-year-old North Vancouver man who was listed as a prohibited driver. While investigating the prohibition, police found approximately seven cases of unstamped contraband tobacco products.
“The driver of the pickup was suspected to be operating an illegal tobacco store,” said McLaughlin. “Now he will face a court date for both prohibited driving and possession of an unstamped tobacco product.”
New West fire deemed ‘suspicious’ by police
The New Westminster Police Department said an early-morning blaze on Aug. 11 that caused extensive damage to a business in the 600 block of 12th St. is being investigated as a possible arson. The NWPD major crime unit is investigating with New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service.s
“Investigators are seeking more information on a red van that was seen leaving the area,” said NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “If you have any information about that van, including CCTV or dashcam footage of it in the 12th Street area, we encourage you to reach out to us.”
Investigators urge residents and business owners in the immediate area to check their surveillance or dashcam footage, specifically between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., for video evidence that may assist with the investigation. Additionally, detectives are asking any witnesses who haven’t yet spoken with police to call the New Westminster Police Department major crime unit tip line at (604) 529-2430 or send an email to mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org.
Suspect sought in alleged West Van assault
West Shore RCMP is looking to identify a man who assault a woman at Thetis Lake Park in View Royal on Tuesday.
Around 9 p.m., a woman on a trail within the park was approached by an unknown male who appeared from the bushes and grabbed he. She was able to escape without injury.
The attacker is described as a 6-foot-2 white-skinned man between the ages of 50-60, with short, curly grey/blond hair and a slight build. He was wearing a short sleeve green T-shirt, khaki pants and dark boots with dark socks.
“The safety of community members at our parks is a priority. Although incidents like this are rare, they are concerning, and we ask that the public report suspicious activity right away so police can promptly respond. If you see suspicious behaviour or feel unsafe, please contact the police,” said Corporal Chris Joy of the West Shore bike patrol unit.
If you have any information about this suspect, including photos/videos of a person matching the description, or have had similar interactions please contact West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.