A Castlegar man is facing break and enter charges following a suspicious fire that destroyed a trailer in Genelle.
The fire broke out Nov. 30 around 3 a.m. in the 500 block of 16th Avenue. The home owners were asleep inside but escaped without harm.
Police believed the fire was intentionally set. They say they now believe Riley Jackson, 29, broke into the home on two occasions and tried to steal things. The home owners know him.
On Dec. 1, Jackson was charged with two counts of break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. He is not charged in relation to the fire.
Jackson remains in custody pending a court appearance on Dec. 15.
In a news release, Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said both the Trail and Castlegar RCMP are aware of community concerns about fires in Castlegar and Genelle over the past few months.
“We are taking this situation very seriously due to the risk to the public,” he said. “A number of incidents are still under investigation and being reviewed by Crown counsel.”
Next week Castlegar city council will debate sending a letter to the attorney general and solicitor general about the matter.
Mayor Maria McFaddin said police believe one suspect is responsible for setting more than one-third of the fires this year, but charges have not been approved.
