The Whitman County Sheriff’s office, which investigated the cause of the Snake River Fire, will transfer the investigation to the Garfield County Sheriff’s office and press charges there.

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers said they have identified three college-aged males who were camping in the area where the fire started. They said they had a campfire which may have caused the wildfire and they are cooperating fully with the investigation. Myers said charges could be pressed in either county, but the fire originated in Garfield County which makes it the most appropriate.

“It wasn’t on purpose, but they still are responsible,” Myers said. “One could make the argument that when there is a burn ban, it’s 100 degrees and windy, any fire is reckless.”

The fire started across from Granite point a few miles from Wawawai County Park. It is now completely contained.

Reporting by Rebecca White