Amidst the backdrop of severe wildfire conditions in BC, two drivers in the Greater Victoria area have recently been issued fines for carelessly discarding cigarette butts from their vehicles.
The incidents, which occurred on August 18th and August 25th, highlight the heightened concerns surrounding fire safety and environmental responsibility during these critical times.
The first incident involved a driver who was pulled over by Saanich Police at the intersection of Trans Canada Highway and McKenzie Avenue.
The driver was issued a fine of $575 under the provincial Wildfire Act for “drop, release, or mishandle burning substance,” as outlined in section 3(1) of the BC Wildfire Act.
Saanich Police took to X (formally Twitter), to emphasize the importance of responsible cigarette disposal, especially given the prevailing fire risk levels both in Saanich and across the province.
Please discard your cigarette butts accordingly, and not out your car window. Especially given the current fire ratings here in Saanich and across our province. #bcwildfires pic.twitter.com/BkZCD97soH
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) August 24, 2023
On August 25th, Victoria’s Police Chief, Del Manak, personally issued a $575 ticket to another driver who had flicked a lit cigarette onto a grass median in the 2200-block of Quadra Street.
The incident was particularly notable as Manak was present at the scene and witnessed the act firsthand.
The driver, in this case, also received a fine for “dropping, releasing, or mishandling a burning substance” under the Wildfire Act.
The driver explained that they lacked an ashtray in their vehicle and had intended to extinguish the cigarette after finishing a phone call.
These incidents have taken place against the backdrop of severe drought conditions in BC, with numerous wildfires raging across the province, including on Vancouver Island.
While parked, driver flicked lit cigarette out his window. It landed on grass median. I was parked beside him. I put it out & wrote $575 ticket. Driver – I have no ashtray in car. I see people it all the time. I was planning to get out to put it out after I got off the phone. pic.twitter.com/YR1jDV9dqZ
— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) August 25, 2023
In a follow up post, Manak said the most awkward part occurred when the driver asked for a warning, stating it isn’t a serious matter, he’s seen lots of others do the same and they were never fined.
The driver subsequently requested to converse with a supervisor. In response, another officer present at the scene calmly stated, “Sir, he’s the Chief,” leaving the motorist momentarily speechless.
The unique combination of dry weather, high temperatures, and gusty winds has created a situation in which the slightest spark can lead to potentially catastrophic fires.
Authorities have been stressing the importance of fire safety measures, including the careful disposal of cigarette butts, as a means to prevent accidental ignition of wildfires.
