WESTLOCK – A Dodge Caravan that was stolen in Westlock on July 6 was found consumed in flames the next day in the county.
Westlock RCMP S/Sgt Jeff Sehn said they got a report about the vehicle fire near the intersection of Range Road 241 and Township Road 602 at about 7:58 p.m. on June 7.
He said the vehicle was deliberately set on fire but couldn’t confirm the reason. The tires and rims had previously been removed, he added.
“The matter remains under investigation,” said S/Sgt Sehn.
Doug Lester said he was driving home from Thorhild Sunday night with his wife and grandson when they saw a column of black smoke, so they decided to take Bouchard Lake Road.
Westlock County Fire Services was dispatched at about 7:56 p.m.
“Crews responded quickly with one fire engine and one response truck, however, the mini-van on fire was a total loss,” said Westlock County Protective Services Coordinator Faye Doblanko. “The surrounding area was monitored closely, as conditions were favourable for the spread of wildfire in a heavily treed area.”
Crews were back in service in just over two hours from the time they were dispatched, she added.
Both the RCMP and fire department confirmed there were no injuries.
