The parking lot fire that destroyed nine vehicles and caused heat damage to 11 others has been deemed as an arson.
RCMP were called to assist the Kelowna Fire Department at the scene of the blaze shortly after 4 a.m. on Wednesday, in the 1900 block of Pandosy Street.
While the fire ripped through the apartment’s carport area, the KFD was able to extinguish the fire before it could cause any significant damage to the building.
Investigators have been able to review security footage from the parking area and have deemed the fire to be arson.
They’re now on the hunt for a suspect.
“Key video evidence has been gathered from a surveillance camera installed near the scene,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP. “A full review of the footage has enabled police to deem the blaze an arson.”
Video released to the media and public shows an unknown individual allegedly lighting the fire before fleeing on a bicycle.
Although it’s difficult to identify the suspect from the distant video, police are hoping that other security footage from the area can help them piece the puzzle together.
“RCMP ask all gas stations in the surrounding areas of this fire scene to conduct a review of their transactions in the hours leading up to the massive blaze,” said O’Donaghey.
“We are particularly interested in any smaller point of sale purchases, especially those to an individual or individuals who attended the store on foot or on bicycle.”
Anyone with any information or footage is asked to contact Cst. Nathan Nickel of the Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Service at 250-470-6261.
You can also report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.
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