CHASE, B.C. - Chase RCMP say they have concluded their investigations into two instances of several suspicious fires that occurred in the North Shuswap area in August 2026, and no criminal charges are being pursued.
Working with partner agencies, investigators conducted extensive neighbourhood canvasses, reviewed surveillance footage, followed up on information from the public, and examined a vehicle that was identified during both investigations, RCMP said in a November 9 news release.
A mechanical inspection determined the vehicle had significant mechanical deficiencies and may have been capable of producing sparks or hot debris. The vehicle has been ordered off the road pending repairs, and its owner was cooperative throughout the investigation.
While investigators believe it is possible the vehicle was involved, they have been unable to conclusively determine the cause of either fire. No evidence was uncovered to support allegations that the fires were intentionally set, police said.
“We understand there has been significant community interest in these investigations,” said Sgt. Stephen Newport, Detachment Commander of the Chase RCMP. “Our investigators thoroughly examined all available evidence and followed up on numerous leads before reaching this conclusion.”
Chase RCMP thanked the North Shuswap Fire Departments, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Natural Resource Officers, the B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner and members of the public who assisted during the investigations.
Why this matters
North Shuswap communities spent the summer wondering whether someone was setting fires in the area. The RCMP’s conclusion closes that question as far as the evidence goes, and it points to a different and fixable risk: a mechanically deficient vehicle shedding sparks or hot debris along dry August roadsides. The vehicle at the centre of both investigations is off the road until it is repaired.
Chase RCMP is the police service for the Village of Chase and the surrounding North Shuswap communities on Shuswap Lake.
(Source: Chase RCMP, November 9, 2026)
