The Salmon Arm Fire Department responded to a fire in one of the abandoned houses across the Trans-Canada Highway from DeMilles Farm Market at approximately 8 a.m. on Nov. 28.
Salmon Arm Fire Chief Brad Shirley said firefighters received the call at approximately 7:50 a.m. and responded to find the vacant structure in flames.
Shirley said the building was slated for demolition for the highway expansion project currently underway at the west end of town.
“They quickly knocked down the fire and also conducted a search for any transient and any other occupants that may have been in there,” Shirley said. No occupants or signs of occupants were found.
“For cause, it’s certainly suspicious in nature. There’s no gas or hydro to the property and as the house was vacant, it certainly leads us to believe it was a possible set fire,” Shirley said.
Salmon Arm fire crews remained on scene for two and a half hours and the department is working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to speed up the demolition of the house.
