08/06/2026
The CSRD and Shuswap Emergency Program are grateful for the diligent efforts of local residents and the members of the Celista, Anglemont and Scotch Creek / Lee Creek Fire Departments after a string of suspicious fires took place last night, Wednesday, August 5.
At approximately 5:30 PM, the Celista Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire along Squilax Anglemont Road. On arrival, three small fires, spaced approximately 100 metres apart, were burning in the ditch. Residents were assisting with fire suppression until the fire department arrived to put them out.
Mutual Aid was requested from both the Scotch Creek and Anglemont Fire Departments. As the Anglemont truck was leaving the hall, that department was paged to a brush fire in the Anglemont Estates area, with a second call coming in shortly thereafter.
Residents were also working to contain these fires when the Anglemont department arrived. The fire department worked to extinguish the two fires and ensure they did not spread and become a more serious safety concern for the community.
To ensure continued public safety, members of the three fire departments continued community tactical patrols into the night.
All five fires are deemed suspicious in nature.
The RCMP are involved and the incidents are now part of an ongoing investigation. At this time, no one has been arrested or detained.
We appreciate the efforts of community members in rapidly calling these fires into 911 and in taking action to help contain these fires.
The CSRD also wants to acknowledge the amazing work by many of our fire departments over the past week. There have been frequent fire calls, many of which could have become very serious events without the intervention of our members.
This includes:
• A brush fire in Falkland on August 1
• A structure fire in Tappen on August 2
• A car fire in Scotch Creek on August 3
• A structure fire in Seymour Arm on August 3
• A brush and railway fire in Malakwa on August 4
• A car fire in Eagle Bay on August 4
CSRD firefighters remain at the ready for any further calls. If you see fire, do not delay. Call 911 immediately.
📸 Mop up of a suspicious fire on August 5, 2026. (Scotch Creek FD photo)
