Sunshine Coast conservation officers issued three violation tickets for illegal campfires last weekend, each carrying a fine of $1,150.
“One incident of an illegal campfire was located within two kilometres of the 2015 Sechelt Mine Fire site that killed volunteer firefighter and tree faller John Phare,” Sgt. Dean Miller said. “Considering the potential damage of a forest fire to a nearby community, all parties around this fire were fined.”
As well, he said, the Conservation Officer Service (COS) is investigating an incident involving a group using binary exploding targets for firearms practice.
Fire prohibitions are being strictly enforced by the COS to help reduce the chance of human caused fires and to protect public safety and livelihood.
The COS is supporting the BC Wildfire Service by actively patrolling throughout the province to ensure the fire restrictions are being adhered to. This includes all open burning including campfires, fireworks (bear bangers), burn barrels, tiki torches, chimineas, sky lanterns, and the use of binary exploding targets.
Anyone with information on open fires on the Sunshine Coast is encouraged to call the wildfire reporting line 1-800-663-5555 or RAPP 1-877-952-7277.
– Coast Reporter
