Woman alleged to have started fires along highway

Quick action by the public allowed RCMP to arrest a woman who allegedly lit two brush fires along a North Okanagan highway.

Police say witnesses were trying to put out the fires on Highway 97A near Danforth Road, north of Enderby around 7:00 p.m. Saturday (May 28), but also kept track of the suspect and updated police.

“Frontline officers immediately responded to the scene and arrested the suspect without incident,” Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer, told Vernon Matters.

“Thanks to the quick action of these members of the public, our officers were able to quickly locate and arrest the suspect. Also, there’s no doubt their efforts helped contain the fire and prevent its spread until fire crews could respond and extinguish them, preventing any significant property damage,” Terleski added.

A 44-year-old Kelowna woman is being held in custody and will appear in court June 1 in Salmon Arm.