PG RCMP investigating suspicious fire at weigh scale; BCGEU eyeing safety concerns

Mounties in Prince George are investigating a weigh scale blaze that occurred on Highway 97 north over the weekend.

The RCMP received a report of a fire around 10:00pm on Saturday and is being suspected as an arson.

Emergency responders received a report of flames coming from the CVSE office located at the weigh scale.

Officers arrived on scene shortly after and gathered evidence to suggest the fire was intentionally set.

“Police believe that this incident is related to another suspicious fire investigation that occurred on December 24, 2024 at the Highway 97 South weigh scales. There was orange spray-paint graffiti located on a sea-can nearby, that is similar to what was located in December. The graffiti reads “good job McCreadie,” said Cst. Jenna Moore, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Investigators are hoping someone passing by that section of the highway might have dash camera footage that caught people or vehicles approaching or leaving the area in the time before the fire was reported to police.

In addition, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement officers – members of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) – are once again raising serious safety concerns.

According to the union, the site was closed at the time, and no CVSE officers were present during the incident.

However, in recent years these workers across the province have consistently reported vehicles and worksites being targets of violent acts.

“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.

“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 frontlines,” added Finch.

“We’re committed to helping expand these efforts as quickly as possible.” 

The union represents 184 CVSE officers across the province.