The criminal investigation into the 2021 Lytton wildfire has concluded according to the BC RCMP.
Police say the investigative findings have been reviewed and officers confirmed the lengthy investigation has not determined the cause of the fire.
In addition, there is no evidence to suggest the fire was intentionally set by the actions or inactions of individuals.
According to the BC RCMP, the investigation focused on various aspects including determining the cause and origin of the fire, assessing whether there was possible criminality, and looking at compliance or regulatory impacts.
More specifically, regarding the origin, investigators focused on a parking lot and park area at the end of River Drive towards the south end of the Village of Lytton.
The area provided access to a foot and rail bridge that crosses the Fraser River. The investigation looked at all movements and actions of any individuals, vehicle traffic and a southbound freight train that were all in the area around 4:30 p.m. when the wildfire first began.
The investigation included:
- A review of the weather conditions around the time which showed temperatures exceeding 48 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of between 22-25 km/h, with earlier gusts of over 38 km/h.
- An exhaustive search of two areas of interest related to the possible origin of the fire. One was a 1 km radius near Lytton and the other near Boston Bar.
- A collection of 55 physical exhibits and digital forensic evidence – which included over 400 videos and photographs collectively – with the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service and the RCMP Forensic Search and Evidence Recovery Team.
- 168 witness interviews.
- Review of the investigative findings by parallel investigations conducted by the BC Coroners Service, BC Wildfire Service, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), and a review of findings from Transport Canada’s inspections.
- Identification and procurement of a professional and credible Subject Matter Expert that would not be in a conflict of interest.
The findings have been shared with the Village of Lytton along with the local First Nation and the family of those that were tragically lost.
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