After years of investigating the case of the Lytton Creek Wildfire that tore through the town in 2021, police say the investigation has concluded without any answers.
In a release Wednesday, the BC RCMP said they still don’t know how the fire started, and cannot confirm if it was deliberately set.
Investigators say they looked into various aspects to find the cause and origin of the fire, the possible criminality, and regulatory impacts.
“Investigators focused on a parking lot and park area at the end of River Drive towards the south end of the Village of Lytton,” Mounties said.
“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.”
Mounties say the investigation included a review of weather conditions, an exhaustive search of two areas of interest related to the possible origin, a collection of 55 physical exhibits and digital forensic evidence including 400 videos and photos, 168 witness interviews, and a review of the findings conducted by the BC Coroners Service, BC Wildfire Service, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
“While we have no single source or cause that can account for the devastating fire, it was not due to a lack of effort. Significant work was done to not only look at establishing and confirming what did happen but to eliminate what didn’t happen. We remain committed to the community and the important need to support all those impacted, while we also join in the collective efforts to rebuild,” said Chief Supt. Brad Haugli, Southeast District Commander.
The RCMP says the findings of the investigation have been shared with the Lytton village, the Lytton First Nation and the families of those who were lost.
They say that even though it’s closed its exhaustive investigation, it’s still open to receiving credible information in the future.
The fire killed two people, destroyed more than 100 properties, and displaced hundreds of residents back in 2021.
In the days leading up to the fire, Lytton set multiple Canadian temperature records, including reaching 49.6 C, the day before the village burnt down.