Massive Elephant Hill wildfire caused by smoking, no charges laid

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the RCMP has wrapped up its investigation into the massive Elephant Hill wildfire in 2017 and although the blaze was caused by smoking or smoking materials, no charges will be laid.

A release from the wildfire service says neither its investigators nor the RCMP probe could uncover sufficient evidence to identify the person who sparked the fire, which  spread north from the Ashcroft area, charring 1,900 square kilometres, forcing thousands from their homes and destroying dozens of properties.

The wildfire service says now the police investigation has concluded, it can officially confirm the cause of the blaze was smoking-related.

It also says it considers the case closed and no further action will be taken.

Coverage of the Elephant Hill wildfire on Globalnews.ca:

1:52 One-year anniversary of Elephant Hill fire

• One-year anniversary of Elephant Hill fire
• Loon Lake area re-builds after devastating Elephant Hill fire of 2017
• Elephant Hill wildfire fight controversy
• B.C. tourism impacted by Elephant Hill fire
• Massive Elephant Hill wildfire jumps containment lines
• Hot and dry long weekend threatens to intensify BC wildfires
• British Columbia’s Elephant Hill wildfire forces prompts evacuations
• Stubborn Elephant Hill wildfire continues to grow
• Elephant Hill wildfire continues to grow
• Elephant Hill wildfire breaks fire guard and grows

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