Nelson Police suspect a truck was deliberately set ablaze in the early morning hours of February 22.
Police responded to a report of a vehicle fire at the north end of Stanley Street and upon arriving found a fully engulfed pickup truck. Concerned about a neighbouring condo, police acted quickly and evacuated the residents.
“The smoke and potentially deadly fumes from the burning truck were billowing towards the occupants who were standing on their balcony watching the truck burn,” says Sgt Brian Weber in a release issued by the NPD.
Shortly after people were moved to safety, an explosion could be heard. Later examination revealed that one of the fenders had been peeled away from the truck by the force of a bursting tire.
Nelson Fire Rescue arrived on the scene with their front line pumper truck. Using self-contained breathing apparatuses, the fire fighters jumped into action and quickly extinguished the inferno with a amalgamation of water and foam, reports Weber.
The plastic components of modern vehicle can emit deadly gasses when they burn, says Weber.
“Portions of the truck, such as magnesium engine parts burn at very high temperatures thus the fire fighters had to pay close attention to ensure those engine parts were fully extinguished,” he says.
Once the fire was out, the vehicle battery and other possible sources of re ignition were removed. Fire fighters remained at the scene to ensure that the truck carcass was cool and all environmental concerns were addressed.
Once the fire was fully extinguished and the scene was safe the police officers engaged and began their investigation. Officers quickly established the fire was suspicious and was likely deliberately set.
Nelson Police called in the RCMP Forensic Identification Section to examine the scene. Police also requested the Nelson Fire Rescue assist with their specialized fire investigation knowledge.
The Nelson Police Department request the help of the public to solve this arson. The matter remains under investigation.