Vernon RCMP say suspicious weekend dumpster fire under investigation

Photo: Jon Manchester

Police believe a dumpster fire that destroyed a large commercial sign on 25th Avenue early Sunday is suspicious in nature.

The fire, which began in a dumpster inside a storage shelter, spread to the tall sign outside the Sterling Centre about 5:30 a.m.

Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire, says City of Vernon spokesperson Christy Poirier.

"An early investigation indicated the fire started in a commercial sized garbage bin that was located inside a storage shelter," Poirier said in an email.

No other structures were damaged, but a nearby vehicle did experience some damage from radiant heat.

The cause of fire remains undetermined, but police say it is believed to be suspicious and remains under investigation.

Firefighters cleared the scene about 6:30 a.m.