N.S. wildfire suspects identified, but not enough evidence to lay charges
HALIFAX - There will be no charges as a result of wildfires last month that forced thousands from their homes in Nova Scotia's Porters Lake, Lake Echo and Tantallon areas.
John Mombourquette, director of enforcement for the Department of Natural Resources, said they've gathered and analyzed all evidence but don't have enough to proceed.
Mombourquette said they've identified suspects, but without further evidence they can't lay charges.
He said the case remains open and anyone with additional information is being asked to come forward.
Two homes were destroyed in the fire.
The bill for fighting the blaze could run as high as $800,000.
A few days after the fire, a forestry worker who only identified himself to Halifax Chronicle Herald as Curtis from Ship Harbour said he saw a woman frantically trying to put out a campfire in the area where investigators believe the Porters Lake-Lake Echo forest fire started.
The site is a popular campground frequented by ATV riders.
That day, the man said he saw a middle-aged woman trying to douse a fire nine to 12 metres in diameter that was shooting up into the trees.
The man said he advised her to give up, and he called 9-1-1.
More City & Region
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
