By Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
Police have confirmed that a dumpster fire at Southwinds Crossing Shopping Centre last week was an accident.
“A homeless person accidentally started a fire while trying to keep warm,” said Oliver RCMP Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth. He noted the individual tried putting the fire out. “We checked her for injuries and she did not require medical attention.”
Wriggleworth said police viewed video footage of the incident and confirmed the cause.
“A reminder to keep dumpsters locked to avoid this type of incident or other nuisance or mischief type of calls,” the commander advised.
The blaze erupted in what appeared to be a concrete refuse bin in the parking lot near Bosley’s pet store at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 4.
A witness told the Times-Chronicle that he observed someone inside the bin prior to authorities arriving on scene. He noted that he observed smoke coming from the bin.
A crew from the Oliver Fire Department quickly extinguished the flames while police were looking for the individual.
Wrigglesworth said police learned that the homeless woman from Kelowna was just passing through the Oliver community that day.
