RCMP arson investigators looking for tips after fire destroys Kamloops home

Kamloops RCMP are on the hunt for an arson suspect involved in a Wednesday morning house fire.

The suspect was seen yesterday on surveillance footage around 7:30 a.m., where he approached a home along Westsyde Road. He later left the property just before 8 a.m. after a fire began raging in carport, according to a Kamloops RCMP news release.

“The investigation so far indicates the fire appears to have been deliberately set and police are treating it as an arson,” Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Kamloops RCMP fire investigator, said in the release. “This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is nothing at this time to suggest an increased risk to the public.”

READ MORE: Kamloops RCMP investigating 'suspicious' fire at Westsyde home

Kamloops Fire Rescue responded to the blaze yesterday morning where it engulfed a home and damaged a neighbour's.

Francine Robinson lost her home, belongings and her cat in the fire, but she hopes the surveillance footage that captured the suspect will help lead to an arrest.

Police are looking to the public for even more footage, including dash cams and doorbell cameras that may have recorded the suspect in the area on the morning of Feb. 16.

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“Just really think back to yesterday morning. Did someone you recognize bike off in a hurry? Did someone show up at your house or your neighbour’s house wearing similar clothing as the suspect? While officers continue to conduct neighbourhood inquiries, these are some of the questions the public can ask themselves to assist police in moving forward," Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn said.

He is described as a Caucasian male, wearing a light-coloured mask. He had dark clothing and a backpack covered with a blue and beige or grey jacket, according to police.

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He was also pushing a dark-coloured mountain bike.

Anyone with information related to the investigation can contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.

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