Residents take action following suspicious fires near Vernon

Police are investigating a string of suspicious fires near Vernon.

In the last month alone, BX/Swan Lake fire crews have responded to more than a dozen small but suspicious blazes. Some of the fires have come within meters of homes.

Police can’t confirm if a serial arsonist at work and while they are investigating, at this point they don’t have any suspects.

Area residents are now taking matters into their own hands, patrolling area streets every night and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

“We can’t take a chance,” said Blair Peden with the BX/Swan Lake Community Association. “We’re going to be out there every evening, every night, just watching.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We can't take a chance," said Blair Peden with the BX/Swan Lake Community Association. "We're going to be out there every evening, every night, just watching."

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is holding a meeting with residents and the local citizens patrol group to see what its next step should be.

“It’s causing a lot of people a lot of sleepless nights,” said RDNO director Bob Fleming.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's causing a lot of people a lot of sleepless nights," said RDNO director Bob Fleming.

“One of the most worrying aspects is how to solve it. Police are on the case, but it’s not easily solvable,” Fleming continued.

RCMP say they’re all for residents watching over the neighbourhood, but urge anyone who sees or finds anything suspicious to call police immediately.