On April 1, 2016, increased fines for a variety of wildfire-related violation tickets came into force. British Columbia now has some of the highest wildfire-related violation ticket fines in Canada.
The B.C. government has taken a tougher stand on irresponsible behaviour that contributes to increased wildfire risks, in an effort to protect communities, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfire damage.
Wildfire Act violation ticket fines:
Section 2, Fail to report fire: $383
Section 3 (1), Drop, release or mishandle burning substance: $575
Section 3 (2), Fail to extinguish burning substance: $575
Section 5 (1), Light, fuel or use fire against regulations: $1,150
Section 5 (2) (a), Fail to extinguish fire: $575
Section 5 (2) (b), Fail to report fire: $575
Section 6 (1), Light, fuel or use fire against regulations, industrial: $1,150
Section 7 (1), Fail to assess fire hazard: $767
Section 7 (2), Fail to abate fire hazard: $1,150
Section 7 (4), Fail to comply with hazard abatement order: $1,150
Section 10 (3), Light, fuel or use fire against restriction: $1,150
Section 10 (4), Fail to comply with fire restriction: $1,150
Section 11 (2), Fail to comply with restricted area requirements: $1,150
Section 12 (2), Fail to comply with order restricting activity or use: $1,150
Section 13 (2), Fail to comply with order to leave area: $1,150
Section 16 (2), Fail to comply with fire control order: $575
Section 22 (2), Fail to stop vehicle or vessel: $575
Section 22 (3), Fail to provide documents: $383
Section 56 (2), Intentional interference, non-compliance or false statement: $1,150
Wildfire Regulation violation ticket fines:
Section 5, Fail to have sufficient fire tools: $307
Section 6 (3), Fail to comply with high risk activity restrictions, and keep at activity site firefighting hand tools and adequate fire suppression system: $460
Section 6 (4), Fail to meet fire watcher requirements: $460
Section 8, Operate engine contrary to regulations: $460
Section 9, Fail to meet fire prevention measures – railway operations: $767
Section 10, Fail to meet fire prevention measures – transmission operations: $767
Section 13 (1), Fail to meet fire suppression responsibilities: $307