Police are still looking for anyone who has information about a residential fire in White Gold that occurred on Dec. 27 at approximately 5:10 a.m.
The RCMP believe there may be a connection between the fire and another incident that occurred a week-to-two weeks earlier in which a mechanism with the potential to start a fire was found outside another Whistler residence.
There were a number of similarities in both cases, including a "very similar" modus operandi, says Community Policing Officer Ray Bernoties.
According to a source outside the RCMP, the device used to start the fire was a molotov cocktail. A front door and frame had to be replaced as a result of the damage, for a cost of approximately $1,000.
Several people have been brought in for questioning, but no charges have been laid. "We’re hoping somebody can help us with information on the fire. At this time we have no suspects," says Bernoties.
"There was definitely foul play involved, there’s no question. Somebody out there knows who this person is and a $1,000 reward has been offered and Crime Stoppers has gotten involved. It’s a fairly serious matter even given the fact that the damage isn’t that extensive," said Bernoties.
"There was someone here, who is still here, who attempted to set fire to someone’s house and we want to talk to that person. We would encourage that person to turn themselves into us. Sometimes things like this are a cry for help."
Bernoties says the RCMP has stepped up patrols in the areas that the fire-starting mechanisms were discovered, and all local members have been informed of the situation.
"We really have no idea as to the motivation of this person or persons – if we could pinpoint that we would go a long way to solving it," says Bernoties.
If you have any information regarding either incident, call Constable Ed Gariepy at 932-3044.
