A series of five wildfires near Sayward may have been set on purpose, and police want to speak with any witnesses.
Last month police became aware that a series of fires, including the 230-hectare Newcastle Ridge fire burning since May, might have been set on purpose.
Staff Sergeant Kris Clark with RCMP’s provincial communications says witnesses spotted some quad riders near where the new Browning Creek fire was discovered on Monday.
“Witnesses in the area of Browning Creek just prior to its discovery observed some quad riders nearby,” he says. “Police are looking to speak with anyone, including the riders, who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of the Browning Creek fire, or any of the other fires.”
RCMP Island District General Investigations Section has taken over the investigation. They are looking for anyone with dashcam video from July 3, 2023 in the area between Sabre Road and Ryans Road
The Browning Creek fire is now under control and the Newcastle Ridge fire is being held. The other fires, which were were along the Memekay, White River and Big Tree logging roads, were put out.
Anyone with information should contact the Island District at 250-331-6010.
