The B.C. government stepped up its efforts to prevent human-caused wildfires Thursday by announcing tough new penalties for people who ignore the rules or interfere with firefighting efforts.
Forests Minister Steve Thomson said fines for some offences will triple beginning April 1.
“We’ve increased fines across the board to some of the highest levels in the country,” he said.
The penalty for ignoring a fire ban will jump to $1,150 from $345, while the fine for failing to report a fire goes to $383 from $115.
Thomson also introduced amendments to the Wildfire Act that will make it easier to punish people caught flying drones in wildfire zones or operating boats on lakes where water bombers skim water.
“Previously, you had to prove that the interference was intentional,” he said. “Under proposed changes, any interference with wildfire suppression, whether intentional or not … can result in fines and penalties.”
The changes follow an incident last August when eight helicopters and five planes battling a wildfire near Oliver were grounded for more than four hours due to a stray drone in the area. Thomson said pleasure boats also prevented water bombers from skimming water off Okanagan Lake.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes, who said his community was a victim of the “irresponsible” act by the drone’s owner, welcomed the legislative changes.
“It was very hard to drive by the airport and see helicopters quiet on the ground, no bombers in the air, all the while people are clinging to the hope the fire won’t reach their homes, their business,” he said.
“I hope this legislation will be enough to make other people think twice before they do such a thing.”
Thomson said the province never identified the owner or operator of the drone.
“There was an investigation, but we weren’t able to determine that,” he said, adding that the changes will allow faster action in such situations.
Federal regulations also prohibit the use of drones near a wildfire. Violators can face a maximum fine of $25,000 or up to 18 months in jail.
B.C. solicitor general Mike Morris, who led the review of wildfire rules, said the province is still considering other measures, such as impounding the vehicles of motorists caught tossing lit cigarettes out their windows.
“I think there’s some constitutional issues that have to be looked at with that, so that’s going to take a lot more review.”
