Krahn was charged following the discovery of smoke approximately seven kilometres northeast of La Crete by the Buffalo fire lookout tower on October 24, 2008. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development dispatched firefighting personnel to the site, where they found Krahn burning brush piles without a permit. Krahn was ordered to immediately extinguish the fire.

Fire permits are required before conducting any type of burning in Alberta's forested areas during the fire season (April 1 to October 31). The only exception is campfires. Permits are free and available at your local Alberta Sustainable Resource Development office. Always follow the conditions on your fire permit, and remember that individuals who are responsible for starting a wildfire can be held liable for the costs to put out the fire.

The Government of Alberta works to protect human life, communities, sensitive watersheds and soils, natural resources and infrastructure from the threat of wildfire. Anyone with information about illegal activity that contributed to the start of a wildfire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and may receive a reward if their information leads to charges being laid.