More ‘suspicious’ fires keep department busy

Two more ‘suspicious’ fires in Oliver kept the fire department busy Sunday night.

Firefighters responded to a structure fire at Oliver Global Grocers on Highway 97 south of town after 10:30 p.m. Media relations officer Rob Graham said the fire was contained to a storage area attached to the building behind the Mexican food trailer.

“A couple of rear work/storage areas were destroyed and the fire did try to extend into the grocery area. But firefighters were able to knock it down before any fire damage could be done,” Graham told the Times-Chronicle.

Except for some possible smoke and water damage to the grocery area, the business  should be able to reopen over the next few days, he stated. No injuries were reported.

Crews were quick on scene to conduct exterior and interior attacks. High winds at the time pushed the fire towards the rest of the structure, and several building additions made access to the fire rather difficult.

Firefighters were on scene for several hours, and a crew from Osoyoos Fire Rescue was requested for mutual aid.

The fire is deemed suspicious and an investigation into a cause will be forthcoming, according to the fire department.

As firefighters were battling that blaze, a vehicle fire was reported in the area of School Avenue. Firefighters were quick to respond and knock it down before returning to the structure fire.

“This fire is suspicious as well and suspected arson,” the fire department said on its Facebook page.

Fire officials say there is no relation between the two fires at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP.