The B.C. government is taking a tougher stand to discourage behaviour that increases wildfire risks.
Proposed amendments introduced Thursday as part of the Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 12) include significantly increased fines for 19 violations under the Wildfire Act and for seven under Wildfire Regulation.
British Columbia will have some of the highest wildfire-related violation ticket fines in the country, if the legislation is passed.
For example, the fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act is increasing from $345 (including a $45 victim surcharge) to $1,150 (including a $150 victim surcharge).
An offence of failing to comply with a stop work order is also to be established under the Wildlife Act with penalties of up to $100,000 and up to one year in jail.
Bill 12 also clarifies what is considered to be "interference," in terms of actions that could hinder firefighters. The amendments would also clarify that interference does not have to be intentional to constitute a contravention of the Wildfire Act.
The changes are party a result of Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris's review of wildfire fines last year.
On average, 30-40 per cent of wildfires in British Columbia are human-caused.
The 2015 fire season was one of the busiest and most expensive in recent years, with over 283,400 hectares burned and over $278 million spent on wildfire management.
To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
