By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
A second house fire in the Harmony Crescent neighbourhood just off Black Sage Road on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve is under investigation by RCMP after it was deemed suspicious by the Oliver Fire Department’s investigation.
The fire on June 11 at around 3 a.m. gutted much of the house, destroying most of the roof.
The Times Chronicle understands from local residents that prior to the fire there had been loud arguing before vehicles sped away from the residence leaving it empty. Shortly afterwards the house was engulfed in flames
Bob Graham, Chief of the Oliver Fire Department said his department’s investigation determined that an accelerant had been used.
Graham said the floor at the back door area was burnt completely through as a result of the use of an accelerant.
The fire comes just over a month after another house – located only two doors down – was intentionally set alight not once, but twice in two days first on April 30 and then again on May 1.
Graham noted that an accelerant was also used in those fires as well and the RCMP are investigating it.
“They are not, as far as we can determine, related to this latest fire,” Graham said but reiterated the RCMP is investigating both house fires. “At this point it does not appear to be connected,” he added.
