Campfires are still banned in the Southeast Fire Centre, but that did not seem to deter some campers in the Lake Koocanusa area.
Elk Valley RCMP said officers were notified of an ongoing issue with people lighting open campfires at an undeveloped campsite, despite current fire restrictions.
Other people at the campground tried to talk them down.
“The reporting campers indicated they had approached the campsite, explained the current laws in place within BC and were rebuffed by the offending camper,” said Police.
“The reporting campers then returned with their own fire extinguisher and put out the wood fire themselves with no response from the offending camper.”
Police officials said the officer went to the offending camper, who admitted to lighting the fire and stated they had learned their lesson.
However, they were still issued a ticket for breaking current Category 1 open fire restrictions.
“The officer, considering the totality of the circumstances and evidence given as well as the ongoing fire risk, issued a violation ticket as per Section 10(4) of the Wildfire Act of British Columbia in the amount of $1,150,” said Elk Valley RCMP.
All fires are banned in the Southeast Fire Centre, except for outdoor stoves with a CSA or ULC rating.
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