BC could bring in heavier penalties for people who start forest fires
Posted July 14, 2015 4:21 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The province is exploring bringing in heavier penalties for people who flick cigarette butts out their windows or otherwise start forest fires.
Mike Morris, the MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, has been tasked with looking into that as BC sees one of the worst wildfire seasons ever. “We must be very clear that human caused wildfires will not be tolerated. Now as a former law enforcement officer I have got some experience in this regard and I look forward to taking on this review.”
Morris notes banning offenders from provincial parks is something being considered. “Another area we need to look at is should we look at the larger fines up to and including possibly the impoundment of vehicles for those who flick lit cigarette butts out their windows.”
As this review is just beginning, any escalated penalties will not kick in until next fire season at the earliest.
