RCMP investigation into cause of Lytton wildfire ongoing

The B.C. RCMP investigation into the cause of a wildfire that destroyed nearly all of Lytton is ongoing to assess if criminality is a factor.

"The police investigation continues to assess if there is possible criminality and we are mindful of the other investigations that are focusing on determine the cause and origin and looking at compliance or regulatory impacts," according to the RCMP's latest press release.

The fire ripped through Lytton, June 30.

Earlier today, Oct. 14, the Transportation Safety Board’s released its investigative findings on whether a train sparked the wildfire. The board said it has found so evidence to determine it was caused by a freight train.

READ MORE: No evidence of freight train link to wildfire in Lytton: TSB

"We continue to advance our investigation, while also working closely with the B.C. Wildfire Service," RCMP said in the release.

Significant progress has been made in the investigation as witness statements, interviews and physical and digital forensic evidence has been gathered and continues to be analyzed. The RCMP does not have a timeline on how much longer the investigation will take but said it remains a top priority.

Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and may have information is asked to call Southeast District RCMP tip/information line at 250-470-6222.


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Carli Berry

Carli Berry has been telling stories in the Okanagan for the past three years and after finding her footing in the newspaper industry, joined the Infonews team in January 2020. Recipient of the 2019 MA Murray award for feature writing, Carli is passionate about stories that involve housing, business and the environment. Born on Vancouver Island, she is happy to say Okanagan Lake reminds, her slightly, of the ocean. Carli can be reached at (250) 864-7494 or email cberry@infonews.ca.

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