RCMP in Prince George say they are now investigating a weekend fire at the weigh scale on Highway 97 North as a suspected arson.
The alleged arson occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, when emergency responders received a report of flames coming from the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) office located at the weigh scale.
Mounties at the scene collected evidence suggesting the fire was deliberately set and say it mirrors evidence found following a similar blaze at the Red Rock Weigh Scale on Dec. 24, 2024.
“Police believe that this incident is related to another suspicious fire investigation that occurred on Dec. 24, 2024, at the Highway 97 South weigh scales," said Const. Jenna Moore, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP. "There was orange spray-painted graffiti located on a sea-can nearby that is similar to what was seen in December. The graffiti reads ‘good job McCreadie.'"
Investigators are asking anyone who may have driven past that section of Highway 97 North around the time of the fire to submit dash cam footage showing any people or vehicles approaching or leaving the area.
The latest fire, along with the 2024 incident, has prompted renewed concern from the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) over the safety of CVSE officers, whom the union says are increasingly being targeted at work sites and through damage to their property and vehicles.
“Our union has been raising the alarm about the dangers CVSE officers face on the job, and this weekend’s incident is another troubling reminder that government must act urgently to improve safety and working conditions,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch in a statement issued to media.
The union is calling on the provincial government to launch an independent, third-party risk assessment of working conditions and practices at CVSE facilities.
“The BCGEU has been working with the provincial government on this issue, and while an independent risk assessment is a critical next step, more needs to be done to ensure members are appropriately supported to feel safe on the front lines,” Finch said.
The union says work on the assessment is expected to begin soon and is also urging the RCMP to intensify their investigations and share findings with affected workers.
“CVSE officers play a vital role in keeping our roads and transportation systems safe by enforcing commercial traffic laws,” Finch added. “They should never be subjected to violence or put in harm’s way simply for doing their jobs.”
