Cigarette Butt Suspected to Have Sparked Massive Rock Creek Fire

The cause of the massive Rock Creek Wildfire is still under investigation, but it is believed that a smoker sparked the blaze by throwing a butt out a car window.

Premier Christy Clark was in Midway on Sunday, August 16th, when she announced that investigators believe the blaze was sparked by a cigarette butt, and that the alleged suspect could have been caught on surveillance.

“If we can find evidence that suggests a specific individual was responsible, we are going to do everything we can and use all the tools that we have to make sure that people see some consequences,” said Clark. “When 40 per cent of the fires are human-caused, there’s room for a lot of improvement.”

Moving forward, Clark said the provincial government will be working on a case-by-case basis in order to assist those affected by the Rock Creek wildfire. Afterwards, Clark and Minister of Lands, Forests and Natural Resources Steve Thomson will apparently be looking into what needs to be done in order to improve programs and fire safety as well as build up B.C.'s capacity to fight wildfires.

Clark was also talking about stiffer penalties for human-caused fires, including potentially revoking an individual’s car.

“If you are found to be throwing a cigarette butt out of your car, perhaps one of the penalties available should be that we are able to take away your car, your use of your car for some time,” said Clark.

“We haven’t come to a final decision. Frankly, all hands on deck to fight these fires and get them under control, and support evacuees and get them home as fast as we can. I think we’re going to need stiffer penalties, and that’s what we’re looking at,” added Clark.

The Rock Creek wildfire is burning aggressively at 3,750 hectares and is still zero per cent contained. An evacuation order for the region is still in effect.

According to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, another home was confirmed to be significantly damaged, bringing total structures lost up to 30.

Campers that initially fled the Kettle River Provincial Park were allowed to return to their campsites Sunday in order to retrieve any items left behind before venturing home.