Lytton man charged with arson in connection to 2014 Botanie Creek wildfire

LYTTON – Police in Lytton have confirmed a man has been charged with arson in connection to a large wildfire in 2014.

Lytton RCMP say in a media release that a 47-year-old Lytton man was charged earlier this month after an extensive investigation.

The Botanie Creek fire began on July 15, 2014 and Lytton RCMP along with B.C. Wildfire Service and other assisting agences responded.

Police say the fire quickly spread, destroying Crown lands, Lytton First Nation lands and private assets. Land and property owners in the area were significantly affected.

At least one house was lost in the fire and some residents in the affected area were under an evacuation order for nearly two weeks.

More than 120 fire fighters were fighting the blaze at one point.

RCMP aren't releasing any details about how the fire was started or how the accused is involved.

He is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Lillooet Provincial court on April 4.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ashley Legassic or call 250-319-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.