RCMP say a 42-year-old Kamloops woman has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of arson after a series of suspicious wildfires east of the city.

Police say Angela Elise Cornish was arrested on Wednesday, May 11, noting she has since been charged with four counts of arson by BC Prosecution Service after a joint investigation between the RCMP and BC Wildfire Service.

In a statement Friday, police say back on April 30, a Monte Lake area resident came across a suspicious vehicle on a forestry road while investigating some smoke in the hills. Police say this resident jotted down the license plate and reported it to the RCMP.

RCMP confirmed they were investigating the series of suspicious fires back on May 3, one day after the BC Wildfire Service said it had responded to a number of suspected-human caused wildfires between Kamloops and Falkland throughout the day, May 2.

Police say that led other local residents reporting their own encounters with the vehicle in question, which was driven by a woman.

“I wish to acknowledge the tremendous assistance of the Monte Lake and Westwold residents, who provided our investigators with the valuable information we needed to successfully advance this investigation,” Chief Superintendent Brad Haugli, the RCMP’s Southeast District Commander said.

“I would like to highlight the exceptional work of BC Wildfire Service throughout this investigation. We also appreciate the close working relationship we enjoy with the BC Prosecution Service.”

Lisa Hudema, the Wildfire Enforcement Superintendent with the BC Wildfire Service added they quickly deployed resources to fight these fires following the heightened fears after last summer’s wildfire season.

“BC Wildfire Service Provincial Fire Origin and Cause Investigators are jointly investigating these fires with the RCMP Southeast District General Investigation Section,” Hudema says.

“Once the investigation into the origin and cause of these wildfires are completed, a report will be provided to the RCMP that will support their investigation. The report will not be released to the public until the RCMP’s investigation is complete.”

RCMP are asking people to be vigilant of suspicious activities or people in your neighbourhoods and report instances to police.

Wildfires can be reported to BC Wildfire Service by calling 1-800-663-5555 or dialing *5555 from your cell phone.