Kevin Parnell
Black Press
Lake Country fire officials and RCMP are investigating what they are terming a suspicious fire in Lake Country.
Firefighters were called to a fire on Lang Court, just off Davidson Road just after 12:30 a.m. Friday to find a motorhome fully engulfed and a house where the motorhome was parked on fire as well.
At the same time, a hedge fire was also underway in front of a nearby home, just down the road.
Deputy fire chief Brent Penner said the investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.
“There are some suspicious things about it and we are working with the RCMP at this point,” said Penner. “There was a second fire down the road and we haven’t confirmed if the second fire started by particles blowing through the subdivison or was a separate fire.”
The fire began in the early morning hours of Friday. Neighbours noticed the fire and called 911, then ensured that everyone got out of the home and surrounding homes.
Lake Country fire crews had the blaze extinguished by 4 a.m. but damage to the motorhome and the house was significant and is estimated at close to a million dollars.
When they arrived on scene, Lake Country fire teams did a primary search to ensure everyone was out and 18 firefighters got involved in attacking the fire within the attic space using the resources of three engine companies and one water tender in addition to command vehicles.
A nearby BC Hydro distribution pole had live wires arcing at the south corner of the structure fire property and once BC Hydro crews cut the electrical supply the area was quickly extinguished.
Neighbours also helped with knocking down a hedge fire at a nearby property, allowing the fire crews to concentrate on the main structure fire.
The Lake Country Fire Department is aiding the RCMP with site samples for testing to determine factors involved in igniting the fire. A conclusive determination may take some time.
