A destructive wildfire that tore through several homes in Lake Country, B.C. earlier this month is being treated as arson, the RCMP revealed Wednesday.
The blaze was discovered July 15 and quickly spread across half a square kilometre, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of properties in the area of Okanagan Centre Road.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said investigators have since confirmed the fire was deliberately set.
"It is a case of arson," he told reporters.
It's fortunate no one was killed, Moskaluk added, but the fire still left many families emotionally and financially devastated.
Joanne Croom is among the Lake Country residents who were affected. The wildfire that burned eight homes to the ground also damaged hers, and it could take a year before it's repaired and livable again.
"I just don't understand how a person can stoop so low as to turn so many lives upside down," Croom said.
"There's people here who don't have homes anymore. How can someone do that to us?"
No suspects have been identified, but the RCMP is asking anyone with photos or videos of anything suspicious in the Okanagan Centre Road area the day the blaze broke out to share them with law enforcement.
Moskaluk said Mounties are also hoping to speak with a group of adults who were camping nearby and could be witnesses.
"They might have footage or they might have seen something," Moskaluk said.
Anyone with information can contact the RCMP through a dedicated tip line at 250-707-8025.
With files from CTV Vancouver's Maria Weisgarber
