The RCMP logo is seen outside the force’s ‘E’ division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck
RCMP in Vernon, B.C., have arrested and charged a 33-year-old West Kelowna woman in connection with two grass fires that crews contained before they damaged structures.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officers and fire crews responded to a grass fire on Aug. 4 on Commonage Road, south of Bench Row Road, at about 1:20 p.m., B.C. RCMP said in an Aug. 19 statement. The fire appeared to have started at a vehicle pullout near the roadside, the RCMP said.
At 1:45 p.m., while crews were at the first fire, a second grass fire was reported behind Carlson Park in the 6500 block of Bench Row Road. The second fire was accessible by foot through the park.
Investigators initially considered both fires suspicious and later determined they were human-caused and intentionally set, according to the RCMP.
Police spoke with witnesses who remained at both scenes and sought additional witnesses who had left before officers arrived. Fire crews contained the fast-moving fires, and no structures were damaged. No injuries were reported in connection with the incidents.
On Aug. 14, police arrested Mariah Banning Baer, 33, of West Kelowna, who was subsequently charged with one count of arson in relation to inhabited property, two counts of arson in relation to property, possession of incendiary material, disguising her face with intent to commit an indictable offence, and breaching a probation order.
“We reached this point in our investigation through a tremendous amount of hard work by our investigators and the collective effort of everyone involved,” Sgt. David Evans of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said.
“Their effort, dedication, and excellent police work is what made this outcome possible.”
Baer appeared in court and was remanded in custody awaiting a bail hearing. The investigation remains ongoing. The RCMP said no further details will be released at this time.
