BURSTAn arrest has been made following two suspicious grass fires started in the Swan Lake Nature Reserve, which grew to wildfire status but were quickly brought under control Tuesday, Sept. 1.
RCMP say a witness in the area and noticed smoke from the fires, and using binoculars, they observed a suspicious man running from the scene and quickly called police providing a description of the suspect.
The witness continued to watch the suspect as he attempted to flee the scene toward Old Kamloops Road.
“The actions of the suspect drew the attention of other witnesses, as well,” said Cpl. Tania Finn, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media relations officer. “All these witnesses were able to provide accurate real-time information to police dispatch which assisted the frontline officers on scene to quickly locate the suspect and secure evidence of the crimes.”
A 43-year-old man was arrested for arson and remains in police custody awaiting a court appearance.
Fire crews were able to quickly contain the fast-moving grass fires before any structures were threatened and there were no reports of any injuries.
One of the fires reached 2.18 hectares while the other grew to 1.58 ha.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded alongside the BX-Swan Lake Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service to the two grass fires in the north end of the community near the busy overpass.
Multiple agencies supported the response, including ground crews and aerial resources.
Despite the recent rain, RCMP say the risk of fires remains high which was apparent by the fires.
Police continue to investigate the incidents and are appreciative of the assistance from witnesses to bring the suspect into custody without further issue.
Should you have any dash-cam footage or video surveillance of the suspect from either fire, contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.