WATCH: Vernon arson fires escalate community fear

VERNON, B.C. – Another two arson fires overnight in Vernon has the community nervous that the crime is escalating.

“What we’re really concerned about is, sooner or later, we’re going to have a major loss of property, and or injury or death,” says Vernon RCMP Spokesperson Gord Molendyk.

The first fire was reported by a passing cab driving behind A.J.’s Pets & Things on 30th Avenue. The second was found by an RCMP officer patrolling on 30th Avenue at the roundabout.

The latest bring the number of suspicious fires in Vernon in May to 12.

“We are really appealing to the public,” says Molendyk. “If anybody knows anything, if anybody has seen any suspicious activity, please call the Vernon RCMP or the Vernon Fire Department, or Crime Stoppers.”

Doris Maria Bregolisse reports.