Suspicious fire at UBCO

Photo: Jon Manchester - File Photo

Investigators believe a small fire in a student residence building at UBC Okanagan may have been deliberately set.

The Kelowna Fire Department was called to what was reported as smoke in a stairwell at a residential apartment on International Mews shortly before noon Friday.

Crews found a small burned area in the stairwell on the second floor, but no fire. There was some damage to the wall in the same area.

"With no visible ignition source, RCMP and a Kelowna fire investigator were called to investigate the origin of the fire," said Platoon Capt. Tim Light.

"The fire is of a suspicious nature at this time. The RCMP will be taking the lead with the investigation."

Several students in the building self-evacuated when the fire alarm went off.

No one has been displaced as a result. No injuries were reported.