Key River cottagers concerned by results of investigation into Parry Sound 33 forest fire - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources News Roundup

Province isn’t laying charges but is considering civil action to recover firefighting costs

The province is saying very little about its investigation into the cause of the Parry Sound 33 forest fire, other than the fact it is not laying charges.

But that isn’t good enough for people whose properties were damaged and destroyed this summer.

“I wasn’t surprised. Definitely concerned. Maybe a little bit sad,” says Lisa Kivinen, co-president of the Key River Area Association.

She represents some of the property owners whose cottages were burnt by the 11-thousand hectare wildfire that saw hundreds evacuated this past summer.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry investigation ruled that a disabled vehicle in a remote area near Henvey Inlet started the fire, but charges will not be laid.

However, the ministry says it is “considering next steps for cost recovery, including possible civil litigation. As such, we are unable to provide additional information.”

By Erik White