Wildfires Near Sayward May Have Been Deliberately Set

As the latest wildfire near Sayward remains under control, RCMP are looking for help in how it started, along with other fires in the area.

While the latest fire, sparked Monday and now under control, RCMP say it, and other fires, may not have been accidentally ignited.

Sayward RCMP say a slew of fires in the past month are thought to be caused by humans and “may have been intentionally lit.”

“The most significant of these fires are the Newcastle Creek fire, which is currently 230 hectares but is being held, and the recently discovered Browning Creek fire, which is much closer to town and, as of 4 p.m. (July 4), is out of control,” said B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark in a news release.

The Newcastle Creek Fire, which is currently 230 hectares, is being held.

Witnesses in the area of Browning Creek just prior to its discovery observed some quad riders nearby, and Clark says police are looking to speak with anyone, including the riders, who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of the Browning Creek fire, or any of the other fires.

With regards to the latest fire, investigators are looking for anyone with dashcam video from July 3, 2023 in the area between Sabre Road and Ryans Road.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the RCMP Island District General Investigations Section at 250-331-6010.

Effective at noon today, campfires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, except the Haida Gwaii Forest District.

The ban applies to all public and private land and is in place until October 31.

The Fire Rating is now listed as Extreme.