-Photos courtesy of Skylar Noe-Vack
Firefighters were shocked to find the person who allegedly lit a fire at the Husky gas station early Friday morning sitting on the roof.
Around 3 a.m. passers-by called in a report of a fire at the service station located at the corner of Fairview Road and Duncan Avenue. Fire Chief Wayne Williams said the fire was lit in an area where firewood was for sale in between the main entrance and doors the employees use to access the building. Once extinguished firefighters began checking the remainder of the building for any extension.
“Upon further investigation the crew found an individual on the roof. It was strange because at one point the fire-fighters had a ladder up against the building to go check the roof and when they went back the ladder was gone,” said Williams. “We think the individual climbed up the ladder and pulled it up with him. The crew then pulled out another ladder and found the person on the roof. At that point RCMP were called.”
A 38-year-old Penticton male was arrested and later released on a promise to appear. This person is facing one count of arson and has a first appearance for June 3.
Williams said the fire was knocked down fast, thanks to the quick actions of the people who called it in, which prevented further damage. Had it not been noticed he said there was a chance it could have got inside the building or extended to the pumps. The small fire did move to empty propane cylinders and at one point, Williams said, one of the tanks did vent itself with a loud bang.
The Husky station received little damage and remains open.
“I would like to give a personal thanks from myself and the staff at the Husky location on Fairview Road to all of the emergency response staff that helped with the fire that was set to the exterior of our store at our gas station late last week,” said Husky gas station owner Greg Caverly. “If it was not for the timely response of the Penticton Fire Department and the Penticton Police Department we would have for sure been at a huge loss and possibly in extreme danger. On behalf of all of the staff and myself, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of your hard work and dedication on Friday morning to our fire - and always.”