Race track fire was arson

Photo: Carmen Weld

The grandstand has now crumbled down after the inferno

Fire investigators and the Vernon RCMP have determined that the raging inferno last week at the Kin Race Track fire was an act of arson.

“After several days of combing through the debris that remained after the fire at the Kin Racetrack grandstands, their investigation had determined that the fire to the structure was an arson,” says RCMP Spokesman Gord Molendyk.

An electrical fire was ruled out by investigators, which is a stand the Okanagan Equestrian Society always took as they claimed all power to the building had been turned off.

Investigators are not releasing many details about their investigation at this time, and Molendyk says they cannot say for sure whether this arson is connected to almost two dozen suspicious fires that have hit the area over the last two months.

“We can't rule it out and and we can't say, 'yes it is'. Again, this is a slightly different fire than the previous fires. It is definitely an arson and we are looking into all aspects and into all our arson fires now,” says Molendyk.

He says the only connection they have made between this fire and the others is that all were set between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

He could not comment on whether there are any commonalities between what form of ignitor was used or how the fires were started.

“They do not want to compromise their investigation and provide evidentiary information that would be presented if this case goes to court,” says Molendyk.

He adds that it is hard to compare this fire to the other fires. From garbage fires, to pallet fires, boats and now a large structure.

RCMP and Vernon Fire Services are still asking anyone who witnessed the event or has photo or video to come forward to Vernon RCMP at (250)-545-7171 or call Crime Stoppers. 

Photo: Carmen Weld

Fire Investigators were back at the scene Monday July 15 combing through the wreckage