RCMP says person in viral Bald Range wildfire video is witness, not suspect

Police are seeking witnesses, dashcam footage, photos and video as investigators work to determine the cause of the Summerland wildfire

RCMP are asking anyone with dashcam footage, video or photos from the Princeton-Summerland Road and Bathville Road area on the afternoon of Aug. 7 to contact investigators.

OKANAGAN — RCMP investigating the cause of the Bald Range wildfire are asking for witnesses and footage from areas around Princeton-Summerland Road and Bathville Road while warning against misinformation circulating online about a person shown setting off a bear banger.

The Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP said its General Investigative Services team responded Aug. 7 to reports of a fast-moving wildfire in the Summerland area. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire and are examining reports of suspicious activity that may have led to its start.

Police have not announced a cause or identified a suspect.

Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who observed activity around Princeton-Summerland Road and Bathville Road, including near or within the Crump Recreation Site and Trout Creek Recreation Site.

RCMP are seeking dashcam footage, videos, photographs and other information from Friday, Aug. 7, beginning in the afternoon.

Police also addressed videos and other information circulating on social media showing a person setting off what RCMP described as a non-lethal wildlife deterrent device commonly known as a bear banger.

Investigators have identified the person shown in the video and say the individual is considered a witness, not a suspect.

RCMP said investigators determined the incident captured in the video occurred kilometres away from the fire's origin area.

Police cautioned the public against making false statements and continuing to spread misinformation on social media.

RCMP officers, with support from neighbouring detachments and Natural Resource Officers, have also been patrolling areas