B.C. wildfires: RCMP conclude Lytton investigation [Video]

The RCMP has concluded its criminal investigation into the devastating and fatal fire that tore through the Village of Lytton and surrounding Indigenous communities more than three years ago.

While the investigation was lengthy and complex, Mounties said in an update Wednesday they have not been able to determine the fire’s cause.

“Establishing the cause of the fire is required in order to prove an offence was committed. Additionally, there is also no evidence to suggest the fire was intentionally set by the actions, or inactions, of any individual(s),” police said.

Two people died, more than 520 buildings were destroyed and 32,000 people were forced to flee their homes when the fast-moving fire broke out on June 30, 2021. Wednesday’s statement from police notes that the temperature on that day in Lytton was nearly 50 C and winds between 22 and 38 km/h.

The RCMP said an exhaustive search of two places …