A 38-year-old Langford man was issued a $1,150 fine for starting a fire in an attempt to dry his wet pants.
On Thursday, Aug. 7, at around 1 p.m., West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a man starting a fire at Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal.
Police had learned that he was trying to dry his pants, and he was educated on the campfire ban and the dangers of setting a fire in the current dry conditions. The fine was issued under the Wildfire Act for Failing to Comply with Fire Restrictions.
"With extremely dry conditions and a campfire ban in effect, even a small spark can lead to a devastating wildfire. We are asking everyone to do their part and respect the ban – it’s about protecting our communities and the natural spaces we are so lucky to enjoy in the West Shore," said Cst. Kelsi Yoxall in a news release.
Firefighters are still fighting a 571-hectare wildfire near Cameron Lake, which is believed to be human caused, and resulted in multiple evacuations.
