In a surprising move, the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office has finished the investigation into last summer’s Takhini Bridge XY-019 wildfire, concluding it was human-caused and accidental.

No charges will be laid.

Yukon Fire Marshal Devin Bailey spoke to the Tuesday afternoon about the investigation, particularly on why there were no charges pursued.

“The XY-019 wildfire was ignited by two individuals using exploding targets for target practice,” Bailey said.

“In the hot, dry and windy weather conditions, the fire quickly grew and spread. The parties responsible attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful.

“They remained on the scene and reported the fire by calling 911.”

The perpetrators had been using Tannerite, a brand of binary explosive targets used for firearms practice and sold in kit form.

The targets comprise a combination of oxidizers and a fuel, primarily aluminium powder, that is supplied as two separate components that are mixed by the user.

The combination is relatively stable when subjected to forces less severe than a high-velocity bullet impact.

It’s also designed to be non-flammable (the reaction cannot be triggered by a burning fuse or electricity), although its explosion can ignite flammable material.

Under the relevant legislation, Bailey said, charges could not be laid against those who ignited the fire.

He said the people involved did everything they could have been expected to on that July 8 evening, from trying to extinguish the blaze to notifying authorities.

Target practice using a type of exploding target is permitted, Bailey pointed out.

Several properties were under sustained threat before fire crews brought the blaze under control – causing substantial stress and inconveniences to affected land owners.

The blaze also threatened to close the Alaska Highway west of Whitehorse – during the peak tourism season.

The persons responsible for starting the fire will not be asked to contribute to the significant costs of fighting it for more than a week.

In a news release Tuesday, the Yukon government stated, “The XY-019 wildfire burned near the Ibex Valley neighbourhood, prompting an evacuation alert for most residents from July 8 to July 17.

“Wildfire crews worked to contain the fire and reduce the threat to local residents and properties. The wildfire was eventually contained without injury or property damage.”

The Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office worked with such partners as the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations during the fire investigation.

The Fire Marshal’s Office found no evidence of criminal or unlawful activities.

Since no charges were laid by the RCMP, the names of the individuals involved will not be released publicly.

In the report, it was stated the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office is hopeful the lessons learned from this report will be useful to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“While the fire was accidental, we urge people to be cautious and avoid the use of exploding targets during the wildfire season, especially in hot, dry and windy conditions,” stated Bailey.

The Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for undertaking fire investigations in the Yukon.

Officials work to improve public safety and fire protection through leadership, education, enforcement and program development.

The office undertook five fire investigations last year.