Thursday, June 20, 2019 ~ LANGFORD
~ West Shore Voice News
A man who was burning a campfire on Mill Hill in Langford on Wednesday June 19 was fined under the Wildfire Act for Light, Fuel or Use of a Fire Against Regulations. The hefty fine issued by the West Shore RCMP yesterday is $1,150. They also took down the man’s camp site.
The man was camping in a zone undesignated for campfires. Campfires are prohibited at all regional parks except where specified or designated
West Shore RCMP took down the undesignated camp site and issued the man a violation ticket under the Wildfire Act for Light, Fuel or Use a Fire Against Regulations, which carries a hefty fine of $1,150.
There are drought conditions declared by the provincial government for across Vancouver Island. Rainfall has been minimal or below average all year (including during winter months, which doesn’t allow soils to start at a moist condition before summer). This month under 2 mm of rainfall has been recorded for the Victoria area (Environment Canada stats). Wildfire season in BC started early this year due to the dry conditions that come on the heels of five previous summers of drought.
“We all play a role in protecting our communities from wildfire risk,”
said Cst Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer, West Shore RCMP. She added that the potential for wildfire is increased with the summer season and is currently rated as High on Southern Vancouver Island.
“Make sure you are up to date on the fire bans,” said the RCMP officer. For more information on fire bans in your area visit the BC Government Fire Bans and Restrictions site .
For more information on Capital Regional District (CRD) regulations and rules for use of regional parks.