RCMP and an official of the Oliver Fire Department searched a fire scene on OIB land near Oliver on Monday.

An empty home up a remote side road off Nk’Mip Road – north and east of St. Gregory’s Church burned to the ground early Sunday morning – but no call was made to fire dispatch.

Even though homes are located within a quarter mile – no 911 call was dialled and no attendance by police or the Oliver Fire Department occurred at that time.

The house had been recently occupied but was empty at the time. RCMP had been called several times with regard to break-ins.

ODN toured the fire scene this afternoon accompanied by a elder of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Oliver RCMP and Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 4000 Block of N’Kmip Road, Oliver.  The residence was vacant at the time of the fire and is being investigated as suspicious.  Any witnesses or information should be directed to the Oliver Detachment, Police File # 2104 2014-759 refers.

The Oliver Fire Department says the origin of the fire was not determined in its search Monday.  A back hoe was used to sift through the rubble. Due to all known circumstances a member of the police Forensics Unit was called in as well.

Chief Clarence Louie says he was notified late Sunday –  “no one living in the house and being in a remote location no one noticed it was on fire”.

Arson is suspected.