Arson suspected as police vehicles, ambulance torched in B.C. fire

An early-morning fire burns in a hotel parking lot in Smithers, B.C., in this police handout photo, causing significant damage to multiple vehicles including several police vehicles early on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. Smithers RCMP received a request to assist the Smithers Fire Department for a report of multiple vehicles on fire in the parking lot. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO- RCMP **MANDATORY CREDIT **

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SMITHERS, B.C. - RCMP say four RCMP vehicles and an ambulance were significantly damaged or destroyed in what appears to be a deliberately set fire outside a hotel in Smithers, B.C.

Cpl. Madonna Saunderson says the fire department asked police for help after a report of multiple vehicles on fire in the parking lot.

She says a total of eight vehicles were caught in the blaze as part of what appears to have been a targeted attack on vehicles used for emergency services.

Police are asking for the public's help in identifying anyone who may have been involved in the suspected arson as they review evidence including video surveillance footage.

Saunderson says dashcam video would be particularly helpful from motorists travelling between Houston and Smithers as well as Hazelton and Smithers between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

No one was injured and the hotel was not damaged.

This report by ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥was first published Oct. 26, 2022.

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