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RCMP confirm Lake Country wildfire was arson

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Lake Country wildfire was arson: RCMP
Watch Above: It will be a long time yet before life returns to normal for the Lake Country residents who lost their homes in a fast-moving wildfire less than two weeks ago. Police are investigating what sparked the blaze. On Monday, they made another appeal for public tips and sent a strong statement that this was no accident. Megan Turcato reports. – Jul 26, 2017

RCMP have confirmed that the Lake Country wildfire that resulted in the destruction of several homes was arson.

The fire broke out on July 15 and destroyed eight homes. It also forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

Last week, RCMP suggested the fire may have been deliberately set. On Wednesday, they confirmed it was arson.

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“We have firmly concluded that this fire was intentionally set and is being investigated as a criminal arson,” Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said.

RCMP said that they’ve pinpointed where the fire started but will not reveal the exact location.

“What we have been able to state publicly is that the fire’s origin is on Okanagan Centre Road,” Moskaluk said.

RCMP have put out a public appeal for people who were seen “recreating” in the area where the fire started.

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They also asked people who may have taken video of the fire to come forward.

Police said they received about a dozen tips from the public since launching a tips line shortly after the fire.

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