On September 2nd, 2012 at approximately 12:50AM, members of the Oliver Fire Department and Oliver RCMP responded to a report of a structure fire located at 8102 Highway 97, just north of Oliver, BC. This building is a commercial structure operating as EZ Fuels (formerly known as Oasis Gas). The Oliver Fire Department conducted successful fire suppression over 6 hours in order to contain the blaze. Highway 97 was closed to both North and South bound traffic for approximately 2 hours due to poor visibility and possible risk of explosion. The building was under renovation and unoccupied at the time of the incident. The property owner, has been advised, has attended the scene and confirmed that the building is insured.
A Provincial Fire Commission investigator and Penticton FIS have been requested to attend the scene to conduct an on scene investigation. As with all fires of this nature this event will be treated as suspicious until proven otherwise.
Police are investigating witness reports that two youth were observed fleeing the building just before the fire started and are requesting that anyone with information regarding this incident contact the Oliver RCMP at (250)498-3422 or South Okanagan Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS