Increased wildfire fines come into effect today

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – Ahead of what’s expected to be another busy wildfire season in this province, crews are reminding everyone about the new fines for breaking any bans or regulations.

Increased fines for a wide variety of wildfire-related violation tickets are now in effect. Anyone caught contravening specified open burning and campfire rules could face fines more than three times higher than last year’s penalties.

“This government has acted on behalf of all British Columbians to crack down on reckless behaviour that could put lives, communities and resources at risk. We encourage everyone to do the right thing this fire season by learning more about responsible fire use and making sure they follow the rules,” says Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

The changes mean BC has some of the highest wildfire-related violation tickets in the country. The penalty for not complying with a fire restriction has tripled from $345 to $1,150 and failing to properly extinguish a burning substance, like a cigarette can cost you $575.

On average, the province says 30 to 40 per cent of wildfires in BC each year are caused by people. Crews say the 2015 wildfire season was one of the busiest and most expensive in recent years, with over 283,000 hectares scorched and more than $278 million spent dousing flames.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

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