The Kamloops RCMP say they are investigating a suspected incident of arson reported on Tranquille Road this weekend.
A news release says an officer was patrolling the North Shore when he observed smoke coming from a house on the 1300-block of Tranquille just before 3 am on Saturday.
“When the officer initially observed the smoke, he quickly called for KFR and backup members, then banged on the residence’s doors and windows, announcing that there was a fire, while feeling its heat through a closed door,” said Corporal Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson.
“KFR arrived on scene shortly after, extinguished the blaze, and confirmed the house had been unoccupied.”
Neighbouring homes were evacuated.
A police presence has been in the area to secure the house so a Kamloops RCMP fire investigator, working in collaboration with the Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR), can investigate the cause of the fire.
Now, officers are looking for information and witnesses who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area.
So far, the RCMP have gathered security footage that shows two people on bikes in the area at the time the fire started, who appeared to have left towards McArthur Island.
“Anyone who has information or video that may be related to this incident is asked to please contact police as soon as possible.”
Cpl. Evelyn says the motive behind the suspected arson, and if it is related to any of the other recent North Shore suspicious fires, is part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information can call the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at (250) 828-3000 and reference file 2024-11489.
