By Steve Hubrecht
steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com
Rumours of potential arson have swirled through the Columbia Valley in the wake of the Thanksgiving fire at the McDonald’s building under construction at the crossroads.
The Columbia Valley Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service could not divulge too much detail in regards to the rumours, except to confirm that officials are actively trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
“All I can say is that it is still under investigation, and we’ve involved the RCMP,” Columbia Valley Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief, Joss Advocaat, told the Pioneer. “It’s being investigated as it is suspicious in nature.”
The fire occurred very early in the morning of Monday, October 10. A total of 14 firefighters from both the Windermere and Invermere fire departments responded to at call about it at 3:15 a.m. and found the interior of the building ablaze, with smoke pouring. After nearly two hours of efforts the fire was extinguished.
Anybody with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 800 222 8477 or the local Columbia Valley RCMP at (250) 342-9292.
