Friday, March 29, 2024

Some Fines Expected to Triple Under Amended Wildfire Laws

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On average, 30-40% of wildfires in British Columbia are caused by human actions. 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.

As a result, the B.C. government is taking a tougher stand to discourage behaviour that contributes to increased wildfire risks.

For example, the fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act is increasing from $345 to $1,150. This represents a 333.33% increase over the old fine for that offence.

There will be increased ticket fines for 19 different violations under the Wildfire Act and for seven different violations under Wildfire Regulation. These changes mean that British Columbia now has some of the highest wildfire-related violation ticket fines in the country.

In addition:

* Proposed amendments will also clarify that interference with the work of a firefighter does not have to be intentional to constitute a contravention of the Wildfire Act.

* Penalties of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year will be possible for failing to comply with a stop-work order.

From the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson, “These legislative amendments propose tough new regulations to discourage people from interfering in wildfire suppression or violating British Columbia’s wildfire laws.”

To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

You can follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

* On Twitter
* On Facebook

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Jitka Zhttp://www.itkasanimages.com
Meeting people from all walks of life and sharing their stories is my passion!

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