No charges are going to be laid in the Parry Sound 33 wildfire.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry announced today it has wrapped up what it calls an extensive investigation into the blaze. The ministry says its team of investigators found that the fire started at a disabled vehicle in a remote area of Henvey Inlet.
A forensic fire expert was called in to help with the investigation. The ministry says it found no offences under the Forest Fires Prevention Act. The ministry is considering next steps for cost recovery, including possible civil litigation, however.
At its peak, Parry Sound 33 was the fourth largest forest fire in Ontario last year growing to more than 11,300 hectares in size. Although it was burning about 75 km north of the town of Parry Sound itself residents were eventually able to see and smell smoke in town. It also led to evacuations in a number of areas, including Henvey Inlet First Nation, French River and the Municipality of Killarney.
Fighting the fire was an international effort, with crews not only from all across Canada called in but also from the United States and Mexico. Parry Sound 33 was first discovered on July 18th, was declared “Under Control” on August 23rd, and finally declared “Out” on October 31st.