News Release: Increased fines for wildfire-related violation tickets

4/1/2016 8:15 AM

VICTORIA - Increased fines for a variety of wildfire-related violation tickets came into force today. Anyone caught contravening specified open burning and campfire regulations could now face fines more than three times higher than last year's penalties. The B.C. government has been taking a tougher stand on irresponsible behaviour that contributes to increased wildfire risks, in an effort to protect communities, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfire damage. The regulatory changes announced on March 10, 2016, significantly increase ticket fines for 19 different violations under the Wildfire Act and another seven violations under the Wildfire Regulation. These changes mean that British Columbia now has some of the highest wildfire-related violation ticket fines in Canada. For example, the fine for not complying with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act has tripled from $345 to $1,150. Failing to properly extinguish a burning substance, such as a cigarette, will now cost an offender $575. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. Follow the latest B.C. wildfire news: On Twitter On Facebook Quote: Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson - "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." Quick Facts: On average, 30 to 40% of wildfires in British Columbia each year are caused by people. The 2015 fire season was one of the busiest and most expensive in recent years, with over 283,400 hectares burned and over $278 million spent on wildfire management. Learn More: BC Wildfire Service FireSmart Homeowner's Manual Explanation of open burning categories Safe backyard burning practices A backgrounder follows. Media Contact: Media Relations Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 250 356-5261 --- BACKGROUNDER Summary of new Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation fines Wildfire Act violation ticket fines (effective April 1, 2016): Section 2, Fail to report fire: $383 Section 3 (1), Drop, release or mishandle burning substance: $575 Section 3 (2), Fail to extinguish burning substance: $575 Section 5 (1), Light, fuel or use fire against regulations: $1,150 Section 5 (2) (a), Fail to extinguish fire: $575 Section 5 (2) (b), Fail to report fire: $575 Section 6 (1), Light, fuel or use fire against regulations, industrial: $1,150 Section 7 (1), Fail to assess fire hazard: $767 Section 7 (2), Fail to abate fire hazard: $1,150 Section 7 (4), Fail to comply with hazard abatement order: $1,150 Section 10 (3), Light, fuel or use fire against restriction: $1,150 Section 10 (4), Fail to comply with fire restriction: $1,150 Section 11 (2), Fail to comply with restricted area requirements: $767 Section 12 (2), Fail to comply with order restricting activity or use: $767 Section 13 (2), Fail to comply with order to leave area: $767 Section 16 (2), Fail to comply with fire control order: $575 Section 22 (2), Fail to stop vehicle or vessel: $575 Section 22 (3), Fail to provide documents: $383 Section 56 (2), Intentional interference, non-compliance or false statement: $1,150 Wildfire Regulation violation ticket fines (effective April 1, 2016): Section 5, Fail to have sufficient fire tools: $307 Section 6 (3), Fail to comply with high risk activity restrictions, and keep at activity site firefighting hand tools and adequate fire suppression system: $460 Section 6 (4), Fail to meet fire watcher requirements: $460 Section 8, Operate engine contrary to regulations: $460 Section 9, Fail to meet fire prevention measures - railway operations: $767 Section 10, Fail to meet fire prevention measures - transmission operations: $767 Section 13 (1), Fail to meet fire suppression responsibilities: $307 Media Contact: Media Relations Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 250 356-5261 Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

News Release 2602