Police in the Sunshine Coast region of British Columbia are seeking witnesses following the alleged deliberate setting of two homes ablaze in a deserted subdivision, prompting concerns among nearby residents. The Sunshine Coast RCMP is urging locals and drivers to review their security camera or dash-cam footage near the Seawatch subdivision for any pertinent information. Const. Karen Whitby expressed the department’s hope for public assistance in the ongoing investigation.
The Seawatch neighborhood, located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Gibsons, faced a series of sinkholes in February 2019. As a result, the District of Sechelt mandated the evacuation of residents from 14 homes, leaving the area vacant. On September 5, a fire consumed two of these homes, which were a short distance apart, with Fire Chief Dwight Davison suspecting intentional arson.
Authorities are particularly interested in footage captured between 4 a.m. and noon on the day of the incident and are eager to speak with the owner of a dark green Jeep Grand Cherokee spotted in the vicinity. Additionally, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the police.
One resident, Kuna Sekaren, residing adjacent to the deserted subdivision, expressed frustration over continuous trespassing on the property before and after the fire incident. Sekaren emphasized the urgency for enhanced security measures, such as reinstating proper fencing and enforcing no-trespassing regulations to deter unauthorized entry.
Council members of the District of Sechelt have initiated discussions on the implementation of security enhancements, involving measures like security cameras, lock blocks, and firebreaks at the entrances of the affected area. Collaboration with the Ministry of Public Safety in British Columbia is also planned to address these security concerns.