Pemberton police continue to investigate after the community's third "deliberately set" fire in just two weeks, according to Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes.
At approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, Mounties were tipped off to a fire in the 7500 block of Flint Street. Witnesses told police the fire was first observed at 8 p.m. and that a local resident "thought they had extinguished" the blaze shortly after. However, witnesses called police and the local fire department after noticing it had reignited.
In a phone call, Hayes said three recent Pemberton fires are all believed to be arson. The first, on July 28, broke out in the same general area as a fire two days later that was noted in the 7400 block of Urdal Road. One witness told police they noticed a young male in a dark hoodie, dark pants and sunglasses running from the area shortly after the July 30 fire was discovered.
"While all the fires have been in open areas and have been extinguished quickly, the possibility the fires could spread and cause some very real damage is a concern for officials and the local community," Mounties said in a release. "Police are asking local area [residents] to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour."
The Pemberton RCMP can be reached at 604-894-6634. Tips can also be sent anonymously to Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
