Kamloops firefighters and RCMP responded to a series of blazes across the city and surrounding area in January, with several incidents under investigation and others determined to be accidental.
Investigators were called into action on Jan. 7 after multiple vehicles were set on fire in the 200 block of Victoria Street West. Firefighters arrived to find two vehicles fully engulfed, with witnesses reporting loud bangs as the flames intensified.
RCMP said the blaze is believed to have been intentionally set and noted the downtown location posed a significant public safety concern. No injuries were reported.
That same day, shortly after 2 a.m., a fire at a storage facility in the 700 block of Athabasca Street followed a break-in and theft. According to RCMP, two suspects cut through a fence, stole tools valued at about $4,000, then poured gasoline on wood inside the unit and set it on fire. The flames were quickly extinguished by firefighters.
A second fire believed to be connected to that incident was reported Jan. 11 at a secure compound in the 600 block of Kingston Avenue. A pallet and cardboard box were deliberately set on fire after suspects climbed a fence to access the property. RCMP said investigators believe the same individuals may be responsible for both fires. Damage was limited and no injuries were reported.
Later that evening, emergency crews responded to a devastating house fire on Shuswap Road in Tk’emlúps. The residence was heavily damaged and one man was seriously injured and transported to hospital by paramedics. RCMP and Kamloops Fire and Rescue continue to investigate.
On Jan. 12, firefighters were called to a detached garage fire in the 5000 block of Todd Hill Crescent in Dallas.
Fire officials said the blaze is believed to have originated in a wood stove or chimney system inside the garage. Crews used a defensive strategy due to hazardous materials stored inside the structure. No injuries were reported and investigators said the fire was accidental.
And on Jan. 14 crews prevented damage to neighbouring businesses after a late-night fire gutted a vacant storefront at 418 Victoria Street. Firefighters were called shortly before 11 p.m. to the former Fashion 5 location, where the building was fully engulfed. Firefighters worked from the front and rear of the structure to protect adjoining properties. The storefront was destroyed, though surrounding buildings were spared. Engineering crews are assessing the structure’s stability before investigators can determine the cause.
RCMP and Kamloops Fire and Rescue continue to investigate and ask anyone with information or video footage to contact police.