BC Prosecution Service to determine if charges will be laid in connection to Elephant Hill fire

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The service adds that in complex cases, it could take weeks or months before a decision is reached.

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ORIGINAL: The investigation into what caused the Elephant Hill fire that devastated Southern Interior communities two years ago is now out of the RCMP’s hands.

BC RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says this was a very complex and lengthy investigation.

“It took time in order to gather the investigative materials given the size and scope of that investigation but as of recently… investigative findings have been handed over to the BC Prosecution Service and we’re committed of course to working with them if there’s any additional needs that come up as a result of that,” Shoihet says. “At this point (the file) is with the BC Prosecution Service who will make any determinations with respect to what, if any, charges would be appropriate in that investigation.”

Because the file is now in the hands of the BC Prosecution Service, a cause and origin report for the fire is not yet publicly available.

Last week, in response to a CFJC Today Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development said no charge approval decision has been made yet by Crown counsel, and there’s no indication when that might occur.