The Penticton RCMP Issues Warning About False Information on Summerland Wildfire
The Penticton Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is urging the public to be cautious of misleading information circulating online regarding the Summerland (Bald Range) wildfire.
According to the authorities, there have been videos and images shared on social media depicting an individual lighting a non-lethal wildlife deterrent device known as a bear banger. However, the individual has been identified as a witness and not a suspect, with investigations revealing that the incident took place miles away from the origin of the fire.
The RCMP is actively investigating any suspicious activities that could have started the fire and is seeking any additional information from the public. They are particularly interested in speaking to witnesses who were in the vicinity of Princeton-Summerland Road and Bathville Road, including the Crump Recreation Site and Trout Creek Recreation Site. They are encouraging the submission of dashcam footage, videos, photos, and any relevant information from August 7th.
Despite ongoing efforts, the District of Summerland evacuation order remains in place. The Penticton RCMP is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and the BC Conservation Officer Service to monitor the area and assess the safety of properties and businesses.
In a separate development, a man was apprehended within the evacuated zone on Sunday afternoon.
If anyone has information, videos, or images related to the wildfire incident, they are urged to reach out to the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment at 250-492-4300 or via email at baldrangereporting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Keyphrase: Summerland wildfire updates
