POLICE – Arson suspected in residential fire on 1300-block Tranquille Road

Police are looking for information and witnesses related to a suspicious fire on Tranquille Road last weekend.

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, just before 3 a.m., a Kamloops RCMP officer was making patrols when he saw smoke coming from a house on the 1300-block of Tranquille Road.

Since then, a police presence has been in the area to secure the residence for attendance by a Kamloops RCMP fire investigator, working in collaboration with Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR).

“When the officer initially observed the smoke, he quickly called for KFR and backup members, then banged on the residence’s doors and windows, announcing that there was a fire, while feeling its heat through a closed door,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

“KFR arrived on scene shortly after, extinguished the blaze, and confirmed the house had been unoccupied.”

Officers also evacuated neighbouring homes in case the fire spread. A police presence remained outside the residence until it was deemed safe for fire investigators to enter.

“Security footage collected as part of the ongoing investigation shows two people on bikes in the area at the time the fire started, who appeared to have left in the direction of McArthur Island,” said Cpl. Evelyn.

“Anyone who has information or video that may be related to this incident is asked to please contact police as soon as possible.”

The motive behind the suspected arson, and if it is related to any of the other recent North Shore suspicious fires, is part of the ongoing investigation.

Those with information can phone the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2024-11489.