‘Of course it’s suspicious’: 2 more Catholic churches burn in B.C.’s Southern Interior

Two more Catholic churches have burned in B.C.’s Southern Interior.

Chief of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Keith Crow, confirmed to Global News on Saturday morning that a church in the community of Hedley burned, as did one in the border community of Chopaka.

Hedley is about an hour’s drive southwest of Penticton, while Chopaka is about a half-hour west of Osoyoos.

“I got a phone call early this morning from one of our members that our church was on fire down in Chopaka,” Crow told Global News.

“Upon that phone call, I got another phone call from the Upper Similkameen Indian Band that their church has also been burned.”

The incident follows the burning of two other South Okanagan churches on reserve land early Monday.

Crow said he attended one scene this morning, and the church has been razed to the ground.

“It’s down to ash,” he said.

2:17Evidence of an accelerant found at church fire scene in South Okanagan.

“Of course it’s suspicious,” Crow added when asked about the fire.

“Two fires again, two more churches in one night. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.”

Asked about the community’s reaction to Saturday’s news, Crow called it heartbreaking.

“We still have people who worship and practice their religion. They had service there a couple weeks ago,” said Crow.

“I don’t condone this at all. I support all my members, regardless of the religion and what their beliefs are. I hope in the long run, these individuals do get caught. This is unacceptable.”

More to come…