Mission RCMP have laid arson charges against a Lower Mainland man who allegedly set a series of fires near Stave Lake.
Thirty-five-year-old Christopher White is now charged with three counts of arson (damage to property) after a joint investigation between the BC RCMP Forest Crimes unit and Mission RCMP, with help from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the BC Wildfire Service.
The investigation started after the BC RCMP Forest Crimes unit was alerted to several suspicious wildfires near Stave Lake in Mission that had occurred between 2008 and 2010.
All of the fires are said to have been set during the month of July in the same part of Stave Lake area. Evidence suggested the fires were potentially connected.
“Anytime there are uncontrolled and deliberately set fires in areas that are popular recreation areas there is a significant risk to people, and infrastructure,” explains Inspector Ted De Jager, officer in charge of the Mission RCMP.
“Mission RCMP have increased patrols throughout the summer in the Stave Lake area and along several other forest service roads which are commonly used for recreational activities to ensure the safety of the public.”
BC Wildfire Service says in a statement that suspected cases of arson are taken very seriously and they urge everyone to use fire responsibly.
White made his first court appearance today in Abbotsford Provincial Court. Sentences for arson in B.C. tend to be between nine months and three years and/or a fine.