A joint investigation into the Ham Lake wildfire by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement investigators continues, said Jim Sanders, supervisor of the Superior National Forest. Sanders confirmed that information in the case has been passed on to the U.S. Attorney's office.
"The investigation remains active, but it's also proceeded on to the next step,'' Sanders said Monday. Sanders declined to elaborate on the case.
It's unclear whether charges will be brought even if the investigation finds a person or people responsible for the fire. It will be up to federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Minnesota district office to decide what charges, if any, are leveled. While federal law can hold campers responsible for fires that get away, including fines and costs, it may be difficult to prove gross negligence.
