Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Michael Reeve / Q-101 Merritt

Lytton Fire

RCMP update Lytton fire investigation; cause not yet determined

Jul 12, 2021 | 2:20 PM

LYTTON, B.C. — The BC RCMP has released a statement into the ongoing investigation of the Lytton fire that devastated the Village on June 30, 2021.

A cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

“The investigations are focused on various aspects including determining the cause and origin, assessing if there is possible criminality, and looking at compliance or regulatory impacts,” reads the release.

“Physical and digital forensic evidence has been collected with the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service and the RCMP Forensic Search and Evidence Recovery Team. Several witnesses have also been interviewed,” continues the release.

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“The BC Wildfire Service is actively supporting the RCMP in their investigation. The BC Wildfire Service has a highly experienced team of fire origin and cause specialists and their role is to conduct wildfire cause determinations, following internationally recognized scientific standards and protocols. As specialists, they have been trained to examine fire behaviour; fire ignition sources; fire ignition factors; burn patterns and other physical evidence. An assessment of these factors helps determine where a wildfire started and identify the probable cause of that fire. During this investigation we appreciate the patience demonstrated by those impacted, it is critical that this process is afforded due diligence,” said Kurtis Isfeld, Deputy Director of Provincial Operations

The possibility that the fire was started by a passing train is being investigated separately.

“The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed an investigator who is currently gathering information and assessing the potential involvement of a freight train. This is a separate safety investigation that will be conducted in parallel to that of the RCMP,” reads the release.

Just two deaths have been confirmed, with all other missing person files being resolved.

If you were a witness to this incident and have not already spoken with police, or you have video or other evidence please call the BC RCMP Tip line at 1-877-987-8477.