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British Columbia bans woodland campfires
VICTORIA, British Columbia, Lighting a campfire in the forests of western Canada could be costly this weekend with violators of a ban on open burning facing large fines.
Anyone found at a campfire will receive a $345 ($335 U.S.) ticket, officials in British Columbia said Friday. If the fire spreads and becomes a wildfire, violators could be fined as much as $1 million ($970,000 U.S.), Postmedia News reported.
Many British Columbians have a three-day weekend with Monday celebrated as British Columbia Day. The province plans to deploy 150 fire-prevention officers.
"British Columbians should know that conservation officers and park rangers will be enforcing the campfire ban in B.C. parks this weekend," Environment Minister Barry Penner said. "I encourage people to enjoy themselves, but given the prolonged period of hot weather and all that is at risk, we will be requiring 100 percent public compliance."
About 70 new wildfires were reported this week.
VICTORIA, British Columbia, Lighting a campfire in the forests of western Canada could be costly this weekend with violators of a ban on open burning facing large fines.
Anyone found at a campfire will receive a $345 ($335 U.S.) ticket, officials in British Columbia said Friday. If the fire spreads and becomes a wildfire, violators could be fined as much as $1 million ($970,000 U.S.), Postmedia News reported.
Many British Columbians have a three-day weekend with Monday celebrated as British Columbia Day. The province plans to deploy 150 fire-prevention officers.
"British Columbians should know that conservation officers and park rangers will be enforcing the campfire ban in B.C. parks this weekend," Environment Minister Barry Penner said. "I encourage people to enjoy themselves, but given the prolonged period of hot weather and all that is at risk, we will be requiring 100 percent public compliance."
About 70 new wildfires were reported this week.