Police search for 'Kootenay Candle' arsonist at Red Mountain
By Rossland Telegraph
Trail and Greater District RCMP is asking the public for information about the recent rash of single tree fires occurring during the daytime on the Red Mountain Resort Ski Hill, in Rossland, according to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“Trail RCMP has received reports that someone is lighting old, dead trees, known as a Kootenay Candle, on fire which can flare up and be visible from long distances,’ Wicentowich said. “This appears to be an ongoing occurrence and it is potentially dangerous as the fire could spread causing unintended damage to surrounding trees and structures.
‘Trail RCMP, Red Mountain RCMP Ski Patrol, Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue, and RED Mountain Resort will be collaborating to stop these incidents.
“If you have any information about who is perpetrating this potentially catastrophic incidents, please contact the Trail and Greater District RCMP at 250-364-2566 to speak to an officer. Trail RCMP asks for the public’s help by keeping an eye out while on the mountain for any suspicious behaviour potentially linked to these tree fires.”
