A fire in the early morning Thursday caused extensive damage to Vengeance Fitness and Kobau Lanes. Both businesses are closed in the foreseeable future. (Richard McGuire photo)
The RCMP is investigating as arson a fire last Thursday at Kobau Lanes bowling alley and Vengeance Fitness.
“Fire investigators have determined the fire to be suspicious and deliberately set,” Osoyoos RCMP said in a news release Tuesday. “The RCMP are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of those responsible.”
Osoyoos Fire Chief Rick Jones said Osoyoos firefighters answered the call around 3:45 a.m.
Jones didn’t yet have a damage estimate because the insurance company is still doing an assessment of repair costs.
“The damage with smoke and water is extensive,” said Jones. “The Kobau Lanes is damaged by water. Vengeance is smoke and some fire.”
Jones said bowling lanes are expensive to replace.
The RCMP said the on-duty members noticed smoke coming from the rear of Vengeance Fitness and Kobau Lanes. A closer investigation found flames starting to build at the rear of the building.
Osoyoos Fire Department was called and they doused the fire, containing it to a small area on the roof and inside the rear of the gym.
At the back of the building the walls are blackened around a second-storey opening, but there is little other evident damage from the exterior.
Both businesses are closed and at this point it’s unknown when they will be able to reopen.
Anyone with information or who witnessed anyone in the area during the early morning of July 2 is asked to call Osoyoos RCMP at 250-495-7236 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
