West Kelowna Woman Charged with Arson Over Two Grass Fires Near Vernon

Emergency crews responded to a grass fire on Commonage Road near Bench Row Road in Vernon’s Commonage area earlier this month. Shortly after the first blaze was contained, a second fire was discovered in Carlson Park on the same road. Investigators determined both fires were human-caused and intentionally set.

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Mariah Banning Baer, 33, of West Kelowna, was arrested mid-month and charged under the Criminal Code with:

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• one count of arson in relation to inhabited property

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• two counts of arson in relation to property

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• one count of possession of incendiary material

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• one count of disguising her face with intent to commit an indictable offence

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• one count of breaching a probation order

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Baer appeared in court and was remanded in custody while awaiting a bail hearing. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details.

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Sgt. David Evans of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP highlighted the collaborative effort that led to the arrest, emphasizing the dedication of investigators and community partners. Police statements note that the case underscores the seriousness with which the RCMP treats intentional fire setting.

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• “We reached this point in our investigation through a tremendous amount of hard work by our investigators and the collective effort of everyone involved,” — Sgt. David Evans

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A bail hearing is scheduled for the coming weeks. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be considered if further evidence emerges during the ongoing investigation.

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