BURSTThe massive construction site fire in Penticton that shut down Highway 97 for days has been deemed an arson by the RCMP.
In a release issued on Friday, June 5, Penticton RCMP announced they are conducting a criminal investigation into the fire.
On May 27, just after 10 p.m., the Penticton Fire Department was called to the Green Avenue property for a fire. Within six minutes they were on scene, and just another six minutes later the fire had reached third-alarm status and was visible from as far as Okanagan Falls.
“The Penticton RCMP wants to acknowledge the amazing response from our frontline officers along with the Penticton Fire Department, Emergency Support Services, and all other agencies who responded to assist with tactical evacuations and fire suppression efforts,” Penticton RCMP Supt. Beth McAndie said.
The property was under construction for a three-storey long-term care facility, which was an estimated 46,000 square feet in size at the time of the fire, according to Penticton’s fire chief.
READ MORE: Highway reopens after crane declared safe following Penticton construction site blaze
Fire crews were on scene at the fire until the morning, but were unable to fully enter the site due to the potentially unstable crane. Highway 97 was closed and 10 homes were evacuated until experts were able to arrive and deem it safe on Wednesday, June 3.
With crane deemed structurally stable, Penticton RCMP and the fire department’s investigators were able to enter and begin their examination of the property, and the evacuation orders lifted for the nearby properties.
“We appreciate the patience of the evacuees and those impacted by this incident,” McAndie said. “This investigation is a priority for the detachment.”
The cause of the fire is still to be determined, according to the RCMP release, and the identity of those responsible currently remains unknown.
The RCMP stated that no further details are currently available, but that updates would be provided to the public when possible.