The B.C. Liberal government is going to increase the financial punishment for those who interfere with folks battling wildfires, as well as those who do not comply with campfire bans.
Fines for 19 offences under the Wildfire Act are being increased to become among the highest in the country.
For example, the fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act is increasing from $345 (including a $45 victim surcharge) to $1,150 (including a $150 victim surcharge). This represents a 333.33 per cent increase over the old fine for that offence.
A new penalty for failing to comply with a stop-work order, which is made because of fire risk, will carry a maximum penalty of $100,000 and one year in prison.
“We can never be too careful regarding forest fires with the early lack of snow and moisture in the Chilcotin and parts of the Cariboo,” says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.
“I hope caution will be taken by all, but for those who are careless, let’s hope these increased fines will make them think about their actions.”
On average, 30-40 per cent of wildfires in British Columbia are caused by humans.
The 2015 fire season was one of the busiest and most expensive in recent years.
More than 283,400 hectares were burned last year, and more than $278 million was spent on wildfire management.
