On May 30th, 2019 at 8:19 PM, 100 Mile House RCMP-GRC responded along with 100 Mile Fire and Rescue to a report of a campfire and a suspicious male in the ditch along Highway 97 near 93 Mile Loop Rd/Campbell Road. Members located a small campfire which was put out immediately with the assistance of 100 Mile Fire and Rescue. Several witnesses reported seeing an adult male acting strange in that area and a description was provided. Patrols continued. A short time thereafter, the attending officer observed a larger fire starting further down from the original campfire location. This fire was much larger and appeared to be 6 metres square and growing fast. The officer observed growth of the fire into the upper trees, beginning to candle across the tree tops.
The officer immediately advised the other members on duty and quickly attempted to put the fire out by hand using available equipment. Several tree planters near the location came and immediately began to help. 100 Mile Fire and Rescue re-attended. This larger fire was quickly put out with assistance from all hands.
The male from the original call was located across the roadway from the larger fire hiding in the bushes. His description matched the witness information of the male seen at the first campfire. The intoxicated 51 year old male was arrested by 100 Mile House RCMP and transported to cells. He was found to be breaching previous court ordered conditions. He is currently in custody and is expected to be held for a bail hearing after consulting Crown Counsel in the morning.
It is quite obvious that without the quick response of the attending officer, Cst. Scott Anderson, the tree planters and 100 Mile Fire and Rescue, this event could have been a lot worse. 100 Mile House RCMP is very thankful to all of our first responders and community members (permanent or not) who assisted with this event. Thank you from the 100 Mile House RCMP.
Anyone with information about this event can contact the 100 Mile House RCMP-GRC Detachment at 250-395-2456 and refer to file number 2019-1895, or please use Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous.
S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen
Detachment Commander
100 Mile House RCMP-GRC
