The RCMP have joined an investigation into a wildfire in northern B.C. over the possibility arson was involved.
The police put out a call on Sunday for the public’s help in the investigation of the wildfire that has already burned an area nearly 60 times the size of Stanley Park.
Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said police and forestry investigators believe the fire was human caused.
Whether the fire was set accidentally or intentionally has not been determined, but they have an active investigation underway, he said.
“Where the investigation will lead hasn’t been determined, but if there is criminality involved under the (federal) Criminal Code, the police are involved,” said Douglass.
Charges can also be laid under provincial laws for human-caused wildfire that include fines as high as $1 million and jail time.
While investigators know where the fire originated, those details and other specifics of the investigation are not being released.
The fire, southwest of Prince George, has been burning for more than a week and has grown to cover an area of 240 square kilometres.
The fire has resulted in the evacuation of residences at Norman Lake and Naltesby Lake, also known as Bobtail Lake. Residents on Bednesti and Cluculz lakes are on evacuation alert.
The RCMP is working with the investigators of the wildfire management branch of the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources.
Anyone with information can contact the RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca or text-a-tip to CRIMES (274637) using key words pgtips.
