Victoria/Fraser Valley – 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 behavior 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.
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