RCMP in Merritt are investigating after seven fires were sparked Sunday night along Highway 8, near the community.

Police as well as firefighters from Merritt, the Lower Nicola Indian Band, and the BC Wildfire Service responded around 9 p.m. between Johnny’s on the Rez and Juniper Drive.

“The Merritt RCMP received a call, actually from multiple people last night, reporting that a black Ford F150, an older model with a lot of rust on it was driving down the highway,” Merritt RCMP Sgt. Joshua Roda said.

“There was sparks or flames, some described, coming from the vehicle that were catching the side of the highway and ended up setting seven fires down the highway in the grass.”

The vehicle is believed to have driven from Aberdeen Drive in Lower Nicola East through Merritt.

“After we got the call, the Merritt Fire Department, the Lower Nicola Fire Department and the BC Wildfire Service were notified. They attended immediately,” Roda added.

“They were absolutely exceptional with the work that they did putting the fires out. They took care of seven fires I would say within 20 minutes, saving a bunch of residences in the area. We’re so thankful to have then and their quick response.”

Some houses had to be temporarily evacuated while crews fought the fires but there were no reports of any damage to property.

“This could have ended much worse had the fires not been quickly extinguished,” Roda added.

“We need the public to take ownership of their vehicles and if you have a damaged vehicle or something dragging on the highway that is sparking, you need to be aware of that and make sure that you are not driving because with the current state of our province, wildfires happen quickly and we have to be really careful.”

If you have any information related to the fires, the vehicle in question, or dash cam footage of the area between 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., you’re asked to contact Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or Crime Stoppers.