The Browning Creek wildfire was discovered over the Canada Day long weekend around six kilometres from Sayward on Vancouver Island.
Since its discovery, BC Wildfire Service has deployed 33 personnel along with air tankers to suppress and extinguish the blaze which grew to around two hectares in size.
The BC Wildfire Service updated its status to ‘being held’ early on Wednesday, July 5th.
The cause of the fire has been presumed to be from human activity and now, the RCMP have announced they are seeking witnesses who may have information on what caused that fire, along with other wildfires that have destroyed a significant amount of Sayward’s forested areas.
Related:
Sayward RCMP say they became aware of a series of wildfires around the region in June, beginning with the Newcastle Creek wildfire which grew to 230 hectares but is also now being held.
There were also wildfires which have since been suppressed near the Memekay, White River and Big Tree Mainlines, according to police.
Now, Sayward RCMP seek anyone who may have information to aid them in ending the string of wildfires which they believe may be connected.
“Witnesses in the area of Browning Creek just prior to its discovery observed some quad riders nearby,” said Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP.
“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.”
In addition to witnesses who may have seen quaders, police are seeking anyone who may have had dashcam footage in the area between Sabre Road and Ryans Road on July 3rd.
Anyone with information about the wildfires in the Sayward area should call the Island District General Investigations Section of Sayward RCMP at (250) 331-6010.
