Police investigate suspicious fire to local landmark

Port McNeill

2023-05-18 12:07 PDT

File # 2023-599

Police are investigating after a fire that damaged the town’s point of interest was deemed suspicious.

On May 18, 2023 at 1:29 a.m., the Port McNeill RCMP received a report of a fire at the World’s Largest Burl, located on the 1400 block of Broughton Boulevard. Both the burl and it’s structure were fully engulfed in flames causing extensive damage to the uniquely large spruce growth. Its protective structure was completely destroyed. CCTV from the area shows two suspects carrying what appears to be a yellow jerry can in the area of the burl around 11:19 p.m., the time the fire started.

While still early in the investigation, this fire appears to have been a deliberate act with the apparent intent to destroy the town’s prized point of interest, said Sergeant Curtis Davis, Detachment Commander for the Port McNeill RCMP. We are releasing still images from the CCTV in hopes that someone will recognize and report the two suspects.

Anyone with any information about the identity of the two suspects or this fire is asked to contact the Port McNeill RCMP at 250-956-4441. 

Released by

S/Sgt. Kris Clark

Email: kris.clark@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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