Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
A late Thursday night fire that was deemed “suspicious” destroyed an old fruit stand across from Southwinds Shopping Centre in Oliver.
Oliver Fire Department spokesman Rob Graham said heavy smoke and flames were visible when he arrived on scene just before midnight near the intersection of Highway 97 and Road 1.
Graham said the structure had been sitting empty for years, so nobody was inside or around it at the time. “We did find some remnants of an old bed or a couch (inside).”
Fire crews had to block off the highway in order to get their trucks set up (tying into two fire hydrants), and power was disrupted in the area for about an hour.
Graham said the south end of the building took most of the damage. Between 15 and 20 firefighters were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.
“We’re not sure exactly how it started,” said Graham, who noted it was suspicious considering the time of day and the fact the building was empty.
Fire officials continue to investigate.
